To all,
Put in a new clutch behind my 58 model 235, and while I was at it, removed the pilot bushing to put in a new one. First one was a standard brass oilite bearing, which when in place would not let the transmission mainshaft spin freely although the pilot tool fit fine.
Disassembled it all. Tried to put in another brass one, stuck it in the freezer prior to driving it in. Could not even get it to start. Checked crankshaft, no burrs or other obstructions.
Gave up trying to get this one to go, as it was getting very marked up. Got a very expensive Kevlar/Nylon composite one from Summit Racing, and just finished putting it in. It started off with the standard .593" inner diameter and fit nicely over the mainshaft prior to installation. Once installed, its inner diameter has also compressed to the point where the pilot tool won't even fit into it.
Removed it, have obtained 3 additional brass bearings. Have miked all,and all have the same internal/external dimensions, as also did the expensive composite.
Is there some secret to this?? I am being very careful to line the bearing up properly, and am at a loss to understand what is going on. Have tried grease, no grease, freezing, room temperature, nothing seems to work.
Will now pull out the expensive composite bushing and go back to a brass replacement, and it seems that pilot bushing removal is the only thing I am getting real good at.
I really want to get my truck back on the road. Anybody out there have any tips? Thanks for any and all assistance, I am at wit's end.
