When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am installing a 302 in a 1971 F-100 in place of the original 360. I am told that the small block bell housing is longer than the 360 bell housing and therefore I need a longer pilot bushing (3/4 inch longer) to make it work. Anyone know where I can source a longer pilot bushing?
Thanks,
Dave
I can't speak to the bellhousing, but the real difference is the length of the pilot shaft on the end of the transmission input shaft. The transmissions for small block engines have a longer pilot snout than big block transmissions. The quick fix for that is the extra long pilot bushing since a big block trans won't fit into the standard bushed small block crank. The correct fix is to use a small block transmission. I haven't seen an extended bushing for a long time, but I haven't looked for one, either. Keep us posted on what you find, please.
There is a difference between the depths of car and truck bell housings. Truck main shafts have the same length between T-18/NP 435. Car transmission mainshafts are shorter compared with truck mainshafts. Here is a chart: https://www.davidkeetoploaders.com/bellhousingidchart.htm
https://www.davidkeetoploaders.com/bellhousingidchart.htm
T-18/NP 435's have a 6 1/2 stickout as per Novak Conversions.
You need a truck 302/351W bell housing. And the photo above is for T&C Top Loaders, not truck T-18/435's.
Since this is 4wd drive, you will need 77-79 351M/400 4wd engine supports to convert to a 302 also.
The casting number on my bellhousing is: D9TA 7505-CB which does not show up on the charts. The depth measures 6-3/4 which suggests the input shaft will be about 1/4 short. Sounds like I am back to trying to find a long pilot bushing?
Those charts are for car Top Loader bell housings. What is important is the fine print at the bottom of the charts. Truck bell housings = 6 3/4". That is what you got. The T stands for truck usually.
Thanks for your responses. Assuming the bell housing I have will fit (which the ebay listing you provided indicates it will) do I need a long bearing if the input shaft is 6-1/2 and the bell housing is 6-3/4 deep?
I would mock it up. Install the bellhousing and a pilot bushing with no flywheel or clutch. You should be able to see through the clutch arm hole if the input is supported.
That said, i did find a pilot that is .900 inch wide. It might be an option but would need to be cut down.
Advance Adapters kit to convert an EB to a T-18/NP 435 uses the stock Bronco pilot bushing/bearing so it seems the stock 302 one is OK. I think the extended one is for use with the taller truck bell housing and a car Top Loader trans which has a shorter mainshaft. Modern Drivelines deals with car transmissions mostly compared with 4wd and truck shops.
Lots of good information, thanks everyone. I just spoke with Modern Drivelines and they have an 1" extended bushing but wanted me to confirm the input shaft diameter is .670. Can anyone confirm that?
I think I would do the test fit as suggested to verify if it will work with what you have. I did install a FE style 4sp into my F100 small block years ago with no issues.
Thanks. I think the test fit is the safest route to go. Two things, I spoke with Dan Williams, a transmission guy in NC who I was told knew all about this issue. He said the best thing to do is the change the input shaft, but he thinks Ford does have the extended bushing. I tried to find it but was unsuccessful. I did find however, a 1" think bushing (compared to 1/2" stock) through Modern Drivelines. (Pilot bushing, Pontiac, Ford SB, Extended 1.380"od x 670"id x .900" wide, MD-404-1018) The cost was a bit high at $60 but if it solves the problem, it will be worth it. Will let you know how it all turns out. Hoping to get the small block install started next week.
