pilot bearings and bushings

[steve meltzer]

Trying to gather more info on whether or not to use a bronze bushing or a Timken (303S) ball bearing style pilot bearing. I've heard that it doesn't matter, and I've heard that the Timken makes the alignment of the bell housing more critical and perhaps shifting more difficult. thanx steve

[DanEC]

It may depend on what transmission you are using and what the manufacturer recommends. IMO I would not use a roller pilot bearing on an older transmission (T-10 or Toploader) They have a ball bearing on the input shaft and the input shaft fit is far from precise - doesn't need a pilot bearing. And if you have ever seen a picture of what a failed pilot roller bearing does to an transmission input shaft - it's not pretty - you would not want to run one. I would run a bronze bushing (magnet won't stick to it).

A roller pilot bearing does require closer tolerances on centering the bell housing. However, seems I've read that Tremec does require a roller pilot bearing.

[blykins]

I would base the decision on what clutch disc material you're using.

If you have an organic disc or something similarly mild, then you can use a pilot bushing. If you have a sintered iron/aluminum/Kevlar disc, then I would recommend a bearing.

The dust from the more aggressive disc materials can contaminate a bushing and cause premature wear.

[steve meltzer]

It's a Toploader, mated to a 427 SO. Centerforce street clutch, so probably organic. thanx steve

[blykins]

If you find the clutch trying to engage prematurely or have trouble shifting at higher rpms, it will be that clutch.....

I get more phone calls complaining about Centerforce than anything else.

[steve meltzer]

seems to operate fine, probably cause I'm a pretty conservative driver at my age! thanx.s

[TheExtreme]

I prefer a bushing. We've been using them for a long time.