Hi Paul,
There’s a lot of mixed opinions on each. Sealed bearings get higher grades than needle. Amount of run out in bell housing alignment is more critical with bearings. Installation without damaging them is also a risk factor. If they do fail they inflict more damage to the input shaft.
The real bronze
oil impregnated were used many years without many failures. They are less sensitive to help housing alignment problems. If they fail the input shaft is not as seriously damaged. They are less prone to installation damage. I prefer less moving parts in this area. I’m old school. This is the first time I’ve needed a bushing. Never thought finding a good one woul be difficult. There’s a lot of pro & con info out there. Thanks. Nick