Ball bearing behind pilot bushing

Inline 6 T-5

I’m swapping out the T-5 for a T-18 and found a ball bearing inside the cavity where the input shafts goes. I never saw one in any other amc v8 or 6 with a T-18,T-150 that I’ve worked. I don’t have the T-5 to compare shafts as I sold it last week, is there a purpose for the ball bearing (for shorter shafts?) is it recommended I leave it out for the T-18? Three months ago I did a T-150/T18 swap with no ball bearing but never worked with a T-5.

I would like to get it buttoned up today so any help would be appreciated.

 

I took a second look and there is no way the T-18 shaft will work with the ball bearing so it's staying out. I believe the T-5 is trying to compensate for a short shaft with the ball bearing.

 

Leave it out. It shouldn't be there

 

Man, this thing is heavy especially with a 300 attached to it. Time to take a break and grab something to eat I'll take another shot at it in a bit. Sometimes they slide right in and some times they don't.

A tranny jack would be handy right about know.

 

A couple of smooth shank guide bolts work wonders for aiding in the assy.

 

I remember you posting that a few years ago ( I believe it was you) and after working until midnight with little progress I grabbed some longer bolts this morning. It's certainly not as easy as a t-90/18 combo.

 

Longer bolts worked like a charm slid right in with just the 2 bottom bolts.

 

no ball bearing just assemble my 360/t18 and there wasn't any ball in there