I am currently doing a motor swap on my 2000 TJ Sport (manual), replacing my blown 4.0 with a used 86k mile 2005 4.0 from an automatic. In order to install the pilot bearing, I need to remove the bushing/sleeve that is currently attached to the crank, which is intended to mount up with a torque converter. Despite trying 2 different kinds of pilot bearing pullers and trying to chisel into it to relieve some pressure, it still will not budge. The pullers keep slipping out and cannot grab onto the tiny lip behind the bushing. Has anyone done a similar swap before and can give me advice on what to do? My next step will be to try cutting 2 slits through it with a dremel. I’m feeling pretty defeated since this stupid stuck bushing is holding up the job.
Help with pilot bushing removal
- Thread starter hma5348
- Start date
C.J. Roberts
TJ Addict
One of the standard practices is to pack the hole with grease, then, using a dowel, large bolt, or something similar that just fits into the hole, and pound on it with a hammer. The grease won't compress, so it pushes the old bearing out from the back. I've even seen it done with bread.
Forgot to mention that we did try packing it with grease, that didn’t work, and then we tried with bread and that also did not work, all we got out of it was a greasy crummy mess lol.
I have had luck finding a tap that seems to be about the right size to make decent threads, tap the bushing and then either thread a bolt in and use a slide hammer or use some threaded rod and make a puller with a socket, washer and a nut.
That is the torque convertor pilot bushing and your best chance at this point is to weld a washer just inside the edge and then weld a nut over the hole in the washer. Once that is done, you can thread in a bolt and jack the bushing out.
Welding a washer and nut to the bushing and forcing it out with a bolt worked, thanks yall!
