• Products Catalog
  • Research
Novak Logo
  • Search Novak
  • Contact Novak

Pilot Bushings for

Ford Windsor V8 Engines

A precisely sized pilot bushing is essential to proper manual transmission installation. It supports and aligns the transmission input shaft on center during clutch release.

Ford Windsor Small Block crank bores are typically ~1-3/8" in diameter.

... to the Jeep T150 Transmission

T150 transmissions feature the same ~17mm pilot tip as many Ford transmissions. However, cutting the T150 pilot tip shorter is required to prevent bottoming in the crank bore and subsequent transmission damage.

More details on this procedure is covered in the Novak Guide to Ford Small Block Swaps in Jeeps.

PB-8731176

... to the Jeep T176 Transmissions

Requires that the pilot tip of the T176 input shaft be shortened 5/8" and chamfered to prevent it from bottoming out in the crank. A cut-off wheel on a grinder will be required as well as personal protective gear. More Ford engine to T176 installation details are discussed here.



PB-8731095

... to the Jeep AX15 Transmission

Two pilot sizes are used on the AX15 transmission early (1988 to 1991) at ~19/32" diameter and late (1992+) at ~3/4" diameter. It's always a good idea to verify the actual size as there is no guarantee that the transmission or input are original and especially on the border years. If you have an external slave version, it "should" be ~3/4" but verify all the same.

PB-8731095
PB-8731357

... to the Jeep NV3550 Transmissions

The NV3550 always features a ~3/4" diameter pilot tip.





PB-8731357

Installation Requirements

Fits stock Ford Truck T18, T19 & NP435. The Ford Truck transmissions use a ~17mm pilot tip diameter. It is always a good idea to verify what you have to be sure.

alignment_of_a_bellhousingRemoval of the old bushing and cleaning the crank bore is required prior to installation. There are a number of official and unofficial methods out there to remove the old bushing/bearing. Hydraulic removal using inserted grease behind the bushing (or wet paper towel, etc. and a precisely sized rod is a classic. Our preferred method is a slide puller available from your local parts store as a rental tool if you don’t own one.

A proper drift tool or driver is recommended for installation. Do not coat oiled bronze in grease, as this plugs its pores and will not lubricate properly afterwards. Installation as the bushing comes is acceptable, though soaking it for a day or longer in clean engine oil prior to installation is preferred. Freezing the bushing and lightly warming the crank can ease the installation. Pilot bushing and transmission input and main shaft damage are inevitable if the bellhousing and transmission are not centered concentric and parallel to the engine face. We recommend the use of a dial indicator to verify that your bellhousing and engine are centered on the bellhousing bore. See The Novak Guide to Clutches, Linkages and Bellhousings for directions on this method.

Also See