440 break in noise from timing cover....we think....be gentle!

No worries on the torrington bearing. If one was not included with the timing set, then the cam sprocket was not machined for one. They were not factory equipment anyway and I've never thought they were a good idea. Just something else to make you write a bigger check that can actually come apart and ruin an otherwise perfectly good engine. And I've not seen anyone else address it but yes, the intermediate shaft should be a slip fit into the bushing. There are two types of bushings. The factory type, which after installed, requires the burnishing tool too properly size it, or the aftermarket style which is the correct size when installed.