[heff]

i've tried 3 different ones...the one that came with my delco clutch kit, a parts store item that was the same as the one with the clutch kit, then one that is listed for a ford, and it's really close, but the hole for the input shaft is a little loose. i don't want to use a pilot bearing, so does anyone have any idea where to get a bushing that fits right, or am i gonna have to make one?

[LPete]

How much too big is it? Seems like the hole must shrink a little when the bushing's pressed into the crankshaft.

[goathead455]

Wht don't you want to use a pilot bearing?

[heff]

i don't wanna use a bearing because i've read more bad about them than good...but i've learned a little about that 'don't believe everything that you read' thing...i'd use one if i had to.
as far as having the bushing pressed in, i think it's a little bit too big to press in as-is..maybe not, i've never seen one or dealt with this problem before

[Old Man Taylor]

Use a 7109 bearing. If that doesn't fit then your crank is probably not machined for a pilot bearing.

[lust4speed]

Only problem I ever had was with the original pilot bushing wearing funny on one side, switched to a bearing about 30 years ago and never had another problem. You trust bearings everywhere in the trans and rearend, and I just can't see why the bad rap for a very well protected bearing that only has to spin when you are changing gears. The remaining bearings have 100% duty cycle when you're driving.

[Shadowjack]

Pontiac V8 and many Fords use the same OD bearing, but the insides are different sizes. Do what OMT said.