The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Pilot bushing question

So, I’m replacing the clutch in my 1951 3100 that has a 1954 235. I pulled the clutch, pressure plate, and flywheel ( all need help). Pulled the pilot bushing out. It was tweaked so instead of a cylinder with a straight hole in the center, it was more of a parallelogram with an angered hole. Input shaft and end of crank weren’t damaged. ( was wondering where the vibration was when I drove it; rebuilt the whole rear end, had a new balanced driveshaft made, and still had vibration!). Got a clutch kit with all needed parts. My question is: Does the crank end have a bearing in addition to the brass/bronze pilot bushing? I notice a larger recessed circle around the pilot bushing hole. Also, noticed it has a 9 1/2”clutch , so does that mean the 54 engine came from a car? So many questions.

Snowman51,

The larger recessed hole in the crankshaft end you mentioned outside of the pilot bushing hole was meant to allow the "Powerglide" automatic transmissions toque converter to nestle up to the crank properly when the 235 was installed in passenger cars. The crank would originally have had the pilot bushing hole, without a bushing, and the secondary larger hole to allow for the "Powerglide" converter center stub to fit properly to the flex-plate and crankshaft.

Only the one pilot bushing needed for the manual transmission input shaft to ride in for your application.

If you aren't sure what 235 you have, take some pictures of the casting/date codes on the block and the stamped serial number pad behind the distributor and post them in a new thread in the Engine Shop. Folks will be along to help answer that question once you ask.

Dan

Gdads51,
Thanks for the info. Thought so but wanted the expert opinion.

Snowman51,

Can you post a picture of the old bushing???

Your description of the "angered" hole (angled maybe???) sounds like the bushing was incorrectly installed in the crank. That or maybe you have an issue with the transmission input shaft (bent, worn out bearing or something similar) which may account for your bad vibrations???

With so many questions, there can also be so many answers, just ask away.

Dan

The 9 1/8" clutch was standard on your truck.

If you have an automatic crankshaft and are using it with a standard transmission be sure to order the correct size pilot bushing. Rock Auto lists two different sizes for a 1953 Belair 235 pilot bushing. A standard Dorman brand and one designed to convert an automatic engine crankshaft to a standard