Thank you for explaining that. I had a feeling that was the purpose, but wanted to double check before I installed it all.
And.....it happened again. I was sold another part that does not match the specs for what I need. The front input shaft has a flared edge that is two different sizes, where it mates with the inner pump bushing. I'll take a picture and post it below.
The new one I was sold measures 1.235, whereas the old one measures 1.172. So I guess I get to go find another shaft. Because the original one is ruined where it mates with the intermediate shaft.
