Ok I am doing an engine swap on my 89 XJ. Got an engine from the same year XJ (1989) everything looked the same and both Jeeps are manuals. Well after trying to figure out why I could not get the transmission to slide into the engine, I pulled off the clutches and found this thing (see image below) I have no idea what it is and I need to know how to take it out. If you look close you can see where the shaft of the transitions was banging around so it needs to go so I can put in a new pilot bearing so it ends up looking like my existing set up (See Image #2).
Any help is appreciated!
This is the new engine I am putting in my finger is pointing to the thing that I need to know what it is and how to remove it:

This how my old engine looked and how I expected the new one to look.

Thanks in advance.
- Reckless Reward

 

You can pack the hole full of grease and then use a drift or something that fits in the hole, then smack the drift with a hammer. The bushing will be pushed out hydraulically by the pressure of the non-compressible grease.

 

Certain auto parts stores lend out tools. You would need one for pilot bearing removal.

I've also removed them by packing the hole as full and tight as possible with wheel bearing grease. Then using something round that fits snug in the hole with a shaft on it (I've used a clutch alignment tool) hit the shaft with a hammer. It will force the bearing out. May have to do the procedure a few times but it works.

Late to the race!

 

Any other thoughts? I tried both methods.


Grease: didn't budge. it just I can hit it for a while until the grease comes our from around the bolt. I have tried different size hammers. Spent a good 30 min trying this method.


Tool: I went and picked up the tool but it does not fit in the hole. I called and they don't have one smaller.


When I look inside the hole I see the pilot bearing in behind this thing and I am sure if it was just the pilot bearing I could get it out with both methods.


- Reckless Reward

 

I got it! :-)
I hammered the ^&$# out of the tool I rented and got it shoved all the way in then got it as tight as possible. I jacked up the pilot bearing in the back but I already ordered a new one.


Thank you for the quick responses and the awesome help!


- Reckless Reward