[Robby D]

I am just about ready to swap out the tranny in my 67 400 (M-20). I will also be removing the flywheel and replacing the rear main seal (BOP). My question is- How important is it to replace the pilot bushing (assumng the old one will fit my new input shaft) and how much better is a pilot BEARING? I have not seen either for sale in the typical classic parts sources.
The old trans is a Borg Warner M-16 3 speed.
Robby D

[Robby D]

I am just about ready to swap out the tranny in my 67 400 (M-20). I will also be removing the flywheel and replacing the rear main seal (BOP). My question is- How important is it to replace the pilot bushing (assumng the old one will fit my new input shaft) and how much better is a pilot BEARING? I have not seen either for sale in the typical classic parts sources.
The old trans is a Borg Warner M-16 3 speed.
Robby D

[Michael G]

Robby,If the bushing is sloppy it is very important you replace it. The pilot bearing you are looking for is available at most any auto parts store at a cost of about $20. The bearing part # is 7109 (BCA, fed mogal).
An easy way to remove the bushing is to run a 3/4" tap thru it. Place a ball bearing into the crank and then run a bolt thru the taped hole. When the bolt bottoms on the ball bearing the bushing will move outward.

[steveK]

Robby, as long as you have the tranny out it is worth the effort to change the pilot bearing. Once you wrestle the tranny back in, I don't think you want to take it out again!