is it neccesary? i forgot to put it in, do i have to go back and install it?? I know, i'm an idiot!!

 

you mean the coupling on the stock oil pump drive shaft?

 

If it is the coupler, you must install it asap.

 

No shnit! Since you're going back in, get a hardened shaft with a steel coupler built right on it, while you're at it. That plastic thing is a POS. The type I mentioned are only $10-15 so why wouldn't you? Melling, Moroso and others make them.

 

I would not be lazy about this one.

get right on it.

 

You can install it from the top.
you need a piece of tubing and a screw with a washer drilled and tapped for the screw.
put the coupling on the shaft, make sure it is clipped on correctly.
get a piece of steel tubing that just fits over the shaft.
measure the amount of tube you want to fit over the top end, and drill a hole in the tube. thread the washer onto the screw after you have inserted it in the hole.
saw off the extra end of the screw that sticks out past the washer.
gently tap the washer concentric with the tube, tighten the screw again gently.
then slide the tube over the shaft, and tap the tube on the round part that's 90 degrees from the screw holes so the tube fits snugly over the shaft. make a few attempts to shake the shaft off of the tube. If it only moves maybe an 1/8", push the shaft back in the tube, and slide it down the hole. rotate it till you feel the slots line up, and tap the top of the tube till the lastic clip seats. (the screw takes up the stress when installing, so make sure it is stainless, or at least heat treated)
Then use pliers to extract the tube off of the shaft, pulling gently.
If you drop the shaft, you can always put a magnet on the end of the tube secured with a length of wire so you can fish it out, and slide the magnet around on the end of the tube.
If you absolutely lose the shaft, you were going to pull the pan anyway.
absolutely positively don't ask me how I know this works

 

coupe, thats a sweet trick... learn something new every day here....
vinnie

 

I think i asked the question a little premature. i have a melling high-flo pump and it came with a new shaft. i think the coupling is built in right? Its the part on the bottom that flares out that mates with the pump? I think i'm ok!!