duster360 - Yes put a new roller bearing one in, well at least that is what the guy who put it together said. Since the tires move freely in gear with the clutch disengaged I don't think it is the pilot.
If it is a roller bearing then that would throw my theory out the window. If by chance it was a bushing like the factory installed, they usually have to be fitted to the input shaft. If it rides too tight on the shaft it will get tighter on the input shaft once it builds a little heat from the friction. I have been there and done that. But if it is a roller bearing that would not be the issue. Good luck.
