NewFORUM

Pilot Bushings
for
GM Gen I–II 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.

GM engine crank bores feature remarkable consistency from the 1950s through the late 1990s, with a diameter of ~1-1/16". Whether Chevrolet, Buick, Olds, or Pontiac cranks, they usually take the same diameter pilot bushing. Note that Cadillac engine cranks typically don’t have a pilot bushing bore, as they were all automatic transmission models post-1950s.

Select your transmission

SM420 transmission

Our highest quality GM Gen I to GM Muncie / Saginaw transmissions pilot bushing.

PB-3901295
T90 transmission

Jeep T90 transmissions have a ~5/8” pilot tip diameter.

PB-3901136
T15 transmission

Two pilot sizes are used on the T14: early (1967–1971) at ~19/32” and late (1972–1975) at ~3/4”. All T15 transmissions used the ~3/4” pilot.

PB-3901295

PB-3901357
T18 transmission

The Jeep T98 as found in the M715 and some FSJ trucks has a ~5/8” pilot tip. Because of the numerous styles of T98 and T18 input shafts in Jeeps through the years, it’s important to verify your configuration for compatibility.

PB-3901136
T18 transmission

1972–1975 Jeep T18 transmissions in some applications feature a ~3/4” pilot tip. 1976–1979 Jeep T18s as found in CJs feature a ~17mm pilot tip.

PB-3901357

PB-3901176
T150 transmission

1976–1979 Jeep T150s as found in CJs feature a ~17mm pilot tip.

PB-3901176
T176 transmission

T176 transmissions make good conversion candidates for GM power. They feature a ~15mm pilot.

PB-8401295
AX15 transmission

Two pilot tip sizes are used on the AX15: 1988–1991 at ~19/32” diameter, and 1992+ at ~3/4” diameter. Verify yours before ordering.

PB-3901295

PB-3901357
NV3550 transmission

NV3550 transmissions make good conversion candidates for GM power. They all feature a ~3/4” pilot.

PB-3901357
NSG370 transmission

All Jeep NSG370s feature a ~3/4” pilot tip.

PB-3901357

Don’t see what you need? Contact us — we may be able to source or machine a bushing for your application.

Installation Instructions

Alignment of a bellhousing

Removal of the old bushing and cleaning the crank bore is required prior to installation. There are a number of official and unofficial methods to remove the old bushing or bearing. Hydraulic removal using inserted grease behind the bushing (or a wet paper towel) and a precisely sized rod is a classic approach. Our preferred method is a slide puller available from your local parts store as a rental tool.

A proper drift tool or driver is recommended for installation. Do not coat oiled bronze in grease, as this plugs its pores and prevents proper lubrication afterward. Soaking the bushing for a day or longer in clean engine oil prior to installation is preferred. Freezing the bushing and lightly warming the crank can ease installation. Pilot bushing and transmission input shaft damage are inevitable if the bellhousing and transmission are not centered concentric and parallel to the engine face. We recommend using a dial indicator to verify centering on the bellhousing bore.

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