What is the deal with the pilot bushings these trucks use? are they any good?
i've read some questionable things about them, especially this:

"Bronze Pilot Bushing is stock replacement for 1989-1993 Cummins trucks. The only thing good we have to say about this bushing is it fits stock flywheels. We sell a few of these every year, but like all bushings, they have a tendency to quickly wear out in dusty/dirty conditions. Failure of these stock type bushings are a major cause of Getrag transmission problems. Folks, we don't recommend you use this or any other pilot bushing with your Cummins, but if you want one, here it is. Made in U.S.A."

If these are that bad, what does one do to upgrade the part?

 

Quad4x4 and some other places sell ball bearings to replace the not so great bushings, BUT you have to get the flywheel machined to make these bearings fit. I just got a look at my bushing last week. After 180,000 it looks good, and it was a farm truck. Unless you're really working the truck, I don't see too much of a problem with the bushing although I have heard that they can eat up the input shaft if they wear too much.

 

my truck is not big power, and probably wont ever be. i'd perfer not to have to machine the flywheel, but i think it was quad4x4 that i got the above quote from. i'm going auto to std, and want to be sure i have all my ducks in a row