> On the other hand,
> doesn't seem that any of the clutch kits from the Big 3 include the pilot
> bush, making me think I can sneak by without it.
You probably can sneak by. The question is, do you want to take a chance for a
$2 part ? OTOH, as long as it's not damaged, probably the worst that could
happen is a bit of clutch chatter.
> -- Just what is the purpose of it? Is it to support the input shaft at that
> end?
Yup.
> What really happens with it? Does the spigot end turn inside the bush
> at all times, or just when the clutch is disengaged, or what?
The shaft only turns in the bush when the clutch is disengaged. The bush really
only comes into play when you are first engaging the clutch, when the side load
on the shaft can be substantial but the shaft is still turning relative to the
crankshaft.
> -- The new one that I have is from TRF, and is battleship grey. I called TRF
> about that, and spoke to Dave, and he said that the reason that it is that
> color is because it has already been "pre-impregnated" with lubrication and
> does not require any soaking in oil. In fact, he specifically advised me not
> to soak it in oil. Is Dave truthin' me, is he right?
I don't know of any reason to doubt him, "Uncle" Dave is usually right about
such things. The bushes I got from TRF a few years ago looked like regular
sintered bronze, but I know it's becoming hard to find it that hasn't already
been impregnated. And apparently it's impregnated with something better than
engine oil (perhaps MoS2) (hence the gray color).
But I don't know for sure.
Randall
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