Has anyone run a pilot bushing made out of brass or oilite bronze instead of a pilot bearing? I read on here of a guy that got one custom made years ago and fitted to, I think, an FJ55. They're hard to find for our F-engine models but seem quite popular among jeeps and many classic cars. Now before I get bashed for wanting something that fits in a jeep, let me point out some of the benefits.
A Pilot Bushing Is made from softer material, such as brass or bronze. In the case of a catastrophic failure, the bushing should not damage the input shaft of your transmission. Also, I've read that the bushings are less likely to break or crack as opposed to a common bearing.
A pilot bushing is often self-lubricated since it's impregnated with oil. If it heats up enough, the oil seeps out of the micro-sized pores and keeps things running smooth. Once it cools down, it is suppose to soak up the oil back.
A pilot bushing isn't suppose to make noise (from what i've read) or at least quieter than a bearing.
As for a bearing, the material it is made out of is often stronger than the input shaft on the transmission. If the bearing were to give out, it will most likely damage it. I've read and seen pictures where the input shaft on land cruiser transmissions may need to be replaced since they were worn/damaged due to the use of a bearing. How often does this happens, who knows? I removed the bearing a few months ago from my 3 speed set-up and did not note any damage. But, if there could be a better product to use, then why not.
(pictured below was obtained from ih8mud)
A Pilot Bushing Is made from softer material, such as brass or bronze. In the case of a catastrophic failure, the bushing should not damage the input shaft of your transmission. Also, I've read that the bushings are less likely to break or crack as opposed to a common bearing.
A pilot bushing is often self-lubricated since it's impregnated with oil. If it heats up enough, the oil seeps out of the micro-sized pores and keeps things running smooth. Once it cools down, it is suppose to soak up the oil back.
A pilot bushing isn't suppose to make noise (from what i've read) or at least quieter than a bearing.

As for a bearing, the material it is made out of is often stronger than the input shaft on the transmission. If the bearing were to give out, it will most likely damage it. I've read and seen pictures where the input shaft on land cruiser transmissions may need to be replaced since they were worn/damaged due to the use of a bearing. How often does this happens, who knows? I removed the bearing a few months ago from my 3 speed set-up and did not note any damage. But, if there could be a better product to use, then why not.
(pictured below was obtained from ih8mud)
Last edited: