Loose Pilot Bushing

[dartman59]

Just received my new 408 stroker based on an LA 360 block. Mating up a four speed. When I went to press in the bronze pilot bushing, it simply dropped right in. I had selected a good socket to use to tap in the bushing, but it fit without pressing; in fact it seems pretty loose to me. If I were to stand the block up on its end, I think the bushing would simply call out. This doesn't seem right to me ... Almost like it could ride up the input shaft and into the area machined at the end of the crank for a torque converter ( that of course I don't have ). Do I need to worry about this? I'm thinking I could drop in a fc69907 needle bearing (assuming it will fit in the torque converter recess) if necessary but I was sure hoping to drop the engine/trans into the car tomorrow. What sez ye gurus??

 

[dartman59]

... simply FALL out.

Is what I meant to say.

 

[CudaJunction]

Go buy a roller pilot for a 96 dodge p/u it fits in the converter hole and is a way better set up anyways.

 

[d55dave]

Go buy a roller pilot for a 96 dodge p/u it fits in the converter hole and is a way better set up anyways.

Yep, I agree X2. It is a much better set up. That 408 stroker crank has had the pilot diameter opened up too much.

 

[dartman59]

So being loose like that is a problem, right??

 

[Daves69]

So being loose like that is a problem, right??

Problem? Yeah. You don't want the bushing backing out of the crank and down the shaft.

 

[nm9stheham]

Yes, you gotta fix this. It'll spin, wear, and maybe **** a bit and then really start messing things up.

 

[Inertia]

There's been a coupla threads where the newer automatic crankshaft wasnt drilled deep enuff for the stnd trans,, and when the trans was sucked in by the bolts,, it damaged the engine's thrust/main bearing's ...

While its apart, try mating the trans/bellhousing onto engine without clutch,, making sure it seats properly..

Sometimes the tip of the imput shaft needs trimming..

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=285276

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=274498

hope it helps

 

[daliant]

Either you have the undersized bushing meant for drilled but not finish reamed cranks or at one time the bushing seized to the transmission and spun in the crank. The fc69907 bearing is your best option at this point.

 

[dartman59]

I went to advance auto last night right before they closed. I ordered me a fc69907 and it was there at 0900 this morning. Popped that Baby right in and I was golden! Got everything mated up and locked down. Right. Ow, the engine and transmission are back in the car. Put it in as an assembly from underneath, dropping the body down on top of everything. It was sweet. That's the way I'll always do a motor install from now on

Thanks for all the input.