@simon posted:Is it not that a Bronze-steel Alloy pilot bushing not wearing out so fast as an all bronze bearing which is softer ?
On my race Mustang I use a Bronze - steel alloy bearing because the all bronze is wearing out fast , because the hard shifting on high rpm's, dual clutch aso. ,whit the result that my dual clutch dont came ,, free"
Now my bronze steel alloy bearing dont wear out and my input shaft looks also good.
I am not a fan of roller bearings , when they failed there is always more damage on the inputshaft.
Dont want involved of this yes or no war , it's just my experience and want to share this.
Simon
AS I UNDESTAND IT, the caution here is that it is thought that the ZF input shaft is not hardened to the level of the Ford top loader.
A bronze oilite bearing is the best option.
Racecars all vary according to exactly what they are put through. Experience with each will tend to determine where additional changes need to be made.
While the drivetrain of a vintage Mustang (I have two) is as close as you can get to the Pantera, without being a Pantera, in this instance, there is a difference in the durability and therefore the engineering approach to the pilot bearing needs.
I don't think that any one really was debating that the ball bearing or pin bearing was better then oilite, they were suggesting other solutions that others with knowledge and experience are using as a possible solution to the unavailability of the oilite bearings?
You may read it differently? That's fine.
Ford has been using the oilite bearings seemingly forever? Considering the negative characteristics of the possible substitutions, I tend to agree here with the original Ford thinking. It is the right part for the application.
I think that has been illustrated well in these discussions?
I would think that if someone with a racecar is going in to the bellhouse for servicing the clutch and the clutch discs for wear much more then a street car would need, then the pilot bushings would likely need attention at that time as well?
To me, the new availability of Marlin's part solves the problem, at least for Panteras. Obviously it also has other Ford applications that it could be used for as well?
Everyone is going to make that selection based upon their own requirements but to me, the problem is solved, at least for now.