Input shaft play

[macrisel]

How much movement, if any, should my input shaft have when it is inserted through the clutch into the pilot bearing in the flywheel?  I was getting ready to pull my bell housing and replace my pilot bearing since I have my tranny dropped and I stuck my input shaft in out of curiosity. Where the shaft passes through the clutch, there is some movement back and forth, maybe a 1/16 all around. What is the clearance supposed to be between the pilot shaft and the bearing?

I'm just double checking things while I have everything torn apart and don't want to miss anything.
Thanks!

[Carls_jeep]

That's probably about right. there will be some clearance in the splines and the pilot bearing and 1/16" total side to side should be ok.

[macrisel]

Awesome, thanks Carl.  Probably a stupid question, but would you go ahead and replace the pilot bearing while you were in there?  I put a new one in when I rebuilt the motor and it only has about 1,000 miles on it since then.  However, it turns out my input shaft bearing was shot and had a lot of play in it so I'm not sure what it did to the pilot bearing in that time.

Since the pilot bearing is cheap, its not really a cost issue....... just time and hassle of pulling the bellhousing and clutch from underneath and replacing it.

Silly question?

[Carls_jeep]

If you have some way to measure the bore of the pilot bearing, such as a telescopic gauge and a mic you could see if it is worn to much. I doubt it's worn to much in 1000 miles.

[macrisel]

Just an update on my bushing, I decided to pull my bellhousing and clutch to check my pilot bushing.  I am REALLY glad I did as it was extremely worn in just a short amount of time!  I no doubt would have had more transmission trouble it I didn't replace it now.

In rebuilding my transmission I have found my bearings in it to be really bad, which allowed the input shaft to float everywhere.  I'm sure this made the pilot bushing wear out.

For anyone pulling their transmissions, bite the bullet and pull the bellhousing/clutch and check the pilot bushing.  It only took me a total of about 3-4 hours to pull them off, replace the pilot bushing and re-assemble everything.

[1955CJ-5]

If you hadn't taken the time to check you would have always wondered about it.....

it's like most jeep projects, just a few more bolts, and a few more, and then more...........

But the good news is your transmission will probably last longer......

How is the rebuild going?

[macrisel]

Well...... I keep finding more parts that need replacing. I am probably being way too picky on my evaluations, but I would rather spend the time and money now than have to tear it down again in 4-5 years. When I received my small parts kit I started test fitting things together and practicing assembling the transmission.  As I did that, I wasn't comfortable with the amount of play in some parts. Again, I'm probably too picky and I have no other experience to compare "excess play" to (per Rick Stivers guide).

On a side note, Herm the overdrive guy is great!  I called him twice yesterday (on July 4th) and he was kind enough to return my calls and answer my questions both times.  I'm pretty sure I pulled him away from a family BBQ both times.   That speaks a lot to his customer service!

[Carls_jeep]

Be sure to get a good pilot bearing and soak it in oil over night. Also, check the bore to be sure after it is pressed in the flywheel that it is not under size.

[macrisel]

Thanks Carl, I did soak it in oil overnight and installed it today.  I'm going to wait on my new input shaft to come in to check the fit before I put the clutch back on.

Hurry up and wait on parts.

[Carls_jeep]

The bummer is when you discover another bad part after ordering all you thought you needed.