I've seen 283's with and without the bolt. For a friend, I once installed a reman short block that didn't have a bolt, but the crank snout had been knurled by the rebuilder, to build up the outside diameter, I suppose. The old damper was reused but it worked itself back out in a relatively short time. The guy's dad was a machinist, and he drilled and tapped the crank in place... I was impressed!
I always used a big block of hardwood to cushion the hammer blows. I agree the Tony... I don't think it would hurt the thrust bearing unless you get totally crazy with the hammer. You really don't have to beat the snot out of it.
