FOlks - Thanks for the comments...having read them all I think I'm leaning towards the bronze bushing. I'm not concerned about the hardness of the shaft material but the surface finish on the nose of the shaft is rough compared to other parts of the shaft that do serve as a needle bearing race. I agree potential for damage to the shaft with the bronze is much less if the bushing fails and while the clutch is engaged the shaft is turning with the crankshaft so there is no drag or horsepower loss... it would be interesting to understand why the manufacturers went to needle bearings in the first place. I won't be able to post the needle bearing part number until Saturday, I found it on an Auto Parts stores on-line site searching under clutches for a 60's chevy pickup with a 235 engine. Thanks again for the help on this - Bug
