Machine shop would not install pilot bushing............why?

[bandit67]

Guys, just picked up a 66 440 motor that I had taken in for machine shop work, hot tanked, cleaned , sleeved a cylinder, and turned the steel crank. I had left a bronze bushing to be install so I can put a four speed back in my 73. The shop foreman was off today and I could not get an answer as to why the bushing could not be installled.........any ideas as to why a 66 model steel crank could not be fitted for a bushing.  Do you think maybe he did not have any info as to how deep to drill.............just curious.

[John_Kunkel]

Most forged steel cranks that were originally intended for use with an automatic were never finish reamed to the correct size for a factory bushing.

There are two alternatives, a special undersized bushing that installs in the original location or an adapter bushing that installs in the crank flange register intended for the converter pilot hub. The adapter type is available in either bushing or roller bearing.

[bandit67]

Thanks, John,  which one of these have you had the best luck with?  I have sorta been looking where to find these adapters and I guess Brewers and Passion would be the best place to start.  I checked out the crank yesterday and found it had been drilled the first time almost two inch's deep. Then it was drilled almost an inch deep  several thousands bigger. The new bushing  seems only to be a few thousands bigger  than what the factory done and  I cannot see why the shop could or would not do it. I wonder if maybe they did  not know how deep to take it   Oh, well, time to hit plan b...............

[John_Kunkel]

It's best to know the actual dimension of the two stepped holes; for the second step that is drilled about one inch deep, an unfinished hole will usually measure about .915" while the finished hole will measure .9375".

If the hole is  .9375" the stock bushing will fit, it measures about .938"; if the hole is .915" NAPA has an undersized bushing P/N 615-1033 or the adapter type can be used.

[rt green]

i have a pilot bushing that year one said i was to use when converting from an auto to a four speed. it was the wrong size. i think it was too small. i got one for a regular 4 speed and it fit. my engine is a 71 hp 440. maybe i should send it to you. i have no use for it.  bruce 

[bandit67]

Thanks Bruce, sounds like you may have what I am looking for. If you wish to sell it , send me a pm, cause I am planning to use this crank. John

[rt green]

i just looked in the garage for the pilot bearing. quite a mess out there now. it was made by timken. year one chareged me about 5 bucks for it. that means your local parts house should have it for about 3. so, for me to ship it to you, you could go and buy one. if i ever find it, i'll tell you yhe number. they should have all the numbers in their book.        bruce