OK. Here is my QUESTION. If there is a valid concern of using a high iron content "bushing" on the ZF input's nose, how is using a hardened needle bearing on it acceptable?
How do you lubricate that bearing?
Here is my concern, this is the replacement from Ford for THEIR small block engines using THEIR transmissions. Not the ZF. The ZF needs were never part of the data evaluated. So it was never considered as a replacement for the ZF. In that consideration, THIS IS THE WRONG APPLICATION.
Here, I am going to disagree with Wilkinson on this and say that this is the WRONG application of the part, even though it fits by dimension.
Marlin's is simply the best you could use as a replacement. It was made with all the concerns necessary for the ZF. It is not over designed and OVERLY executed. The PART is not the issue.
Since that is no longer available from him, either find a new one from a private seller or use the second best part, the original Ford part.
For the sake of discussion, has anyone checked with Butfoy?