I have a 55 pontiac hydramatic along with the 55 pontiac mill. My question is do I need to have a pilot bearing for this trans? It does have a bit of a shaft sticking out of the front like a manual trans but it has 30 bolts from the torus to the flywheel. I didn't notice if it had one when we broke it down.
There is a roller bearing that goes into the crank for this transmission. Ames Engineering in New Hampshire sells it. Andy
They do take a "standard transmission-like" pilot bearing. The only real difference is, it is exposed to trans fluid, while a standard shift trans is not (except for the old MOPAR auto-manual trans). Butch/56sedandelivery.
I have both the engine and trans, and ALL single and dual range hydros up to 56 (62 for trucks) (when the DC hydro replaced it) had the pilot bushing. Some used bearings, some used simple sintered bronze bushings. My Pontiac has a ball bearing installed in it.
Yes, pilot shaft does stick into pilot bearing of crank. Be sure and seal the flywheel to the crankshaft or you will have a leak. Use a good anarobic sealer. Also use something that doesn't harden like Hylomar on both sides of your torus gasket. If you want to do it right, check flywheel run-out 1st. Any more than .007 and you will have front pump leak after awhile. I know from experience. These slant pan hydros work great, but you have to be careful of leaks.-John
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