T-5's and input needed

[farna@xxxxxxx]

Just check the clutch disc against the flywheel. I know there is a cavity in the center of the flywheel for the bolts, but the clutch disc hub sometimes protrudes into that cavity near the center. As long as the disc hub doesn't bottom out on the protruding pilot bushing you should be safe. If the hub does just touch the pilot bushing no harm will be done -- until the disc starts to wear down. Then the hub would touch the bushing before the disc lining, resulting in slippage. You need about 1/8" between the hub and pilot bushing. All the bushing does is steady  and center the input shaft, there should be no side forces on it. As long as you have 1/4" of flat surface in the bushing (past the taper/chamfer on the shaft end) it should be fine. 

Why cant' you use a WC Ford input?? Gear sizes/ratios?? 

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Independent 
Magazine" (AIM)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AIM.html
(free download available!)

original message -------------------------------------------------------


I'm trying to figure out how to preceed with finishing up my close ratio T-=
5 gear swap in the American along with starting on the Convert. I have a T-=
4 to put in the American to keep it mobile while I do this gear swap as I w=
ant to use the AMC case and such to maintain my shifter placement. The AMC =
placement is different from all other T-5's!
   What I have is two sets of used Camaro gears. One brand new factory Ford=
 NOS cluster. What I need is an input and an overhaul kit. What I can't dec=
ide on is how to go with the input! The 83-84 Non world class input is no l=
onger made and I can't find one for less then $135 with shipping. I can get=
 a Camaro input for $54.00 I need to buy a clutch disc anyway so I'm thinki=
ng of going with the Camaro input. The problem is it is about 5/8"-3/4" sho=
rter than the Ford input. I think I can get away with this by using a pilot=
 bushing that is deeper than normal and protudes from the crank. I'm not su=
re however. There are several things that make me think this will work. Rig=
ht now I have a pilot bushing mounted in my 4.0L's second step hole that is=
 farther into the crank than the original pilot bearing rides. I had a bush=
ing turned down with a shoulder left on it to keep it from seating all the =
way and leaves it about 1/4" back. This allows the T-5 input to engage by a=
bout 3/8". Enough that it has not seemed to cause any problems. So I'm thin=
king if I go to the regular 4.0L bearing that it will move the whole bushin=
g back by close to the amount the Camaro input is shorter. If that fails I =
will have a thicker busing made.
Thanks,
--
Mark Price
markprice242ATadelphia.net
Morgantown, WV