King Pin Help
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 38
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From: Texas
King Pin Help
I just received my new king pin set for my '57 in today. I have everything disassembled, and am ready to press the old bushings out. I have not a clue on the replacement process. Can someone please help? My dad thought that once the new bushings were pressed into place, they had to be reemed to fit the new king pin...is this true? I believe this will be my biggest obstacle. Additionally, are these bushings very easy to press in, using the proper press and tools, of course? I have access to the press here at our hobby shop. So, what now? Do I press the bushings into place, and them take them to a machine shop for reeming, or what? The kit came with shims also, of course, while disassembling my spindles, none were noted. Is there a specific gap to be measured and attained somewhere? Instructions were not included with the kit, of course. Can someone lend me some instructional assistance.
Thanks,
Vern
Thanks,
Vern
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 285
Likes: 1
I took my axle to a local machine shop.
They removed the old bushings, pressed in the new, reamed & honed to fit the pins.
I figured I'd be alot better off having it done, instead of cursing & swearing!!!
You only need the shims if there is noticeable slop between the bearing. I had to use one on one side, and I think two on the other to take care of mine, yours may be different!
They removed the old bushings, pressed in the new, reamed & honed to fit the pins.
I figured I'd be alot better off having it done, instead of cursing & swearing!!!
You only need the shims if there is noticeable slop between the bearing. I had to use one on one side, and I think two on the other to take care of mine, yours may be different!
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Shreveport, La.
Not dumb, just lots of work. I don't think you'll be able to get the King Pins replaced otherwise.
Just wondering, do they really need replacing, is there play in the spindle or axle? Can you tell if they've ever been replaced before?
Please be VERY CAREFUL when you're doing this, the truck only has to fall/slip once.
Just wondering, do they really need replacing, is there play in the spindle or axle? Can you tell if they've ever been replaced before?
Please be VERY CAREFUL when you're doing this, the truck only has to fall/slip once.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 285
Likes: 1
A front end shop could probably do it without taking the axle out if they have the right equipment, but I'll bet it will cost alot more because of the extra time involved, compared to you just removing it yourself and running it over to a machine shop.
I did the hard part of removing mine & dissasembling it myself, and I think if I remember right the machine shop charged me about $45 to do the rest!
I did the hard part of removing mine & dissasembling it myself, and I think if I remember right the machine shop charged me about $45 to do the rest!
New User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12
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I replaced mine on my 52' F1 & it was a bugger to do, I think that I will take the axle off this time for my 50' F2 & take it to work since it would have been easier "I see that now."
One thing to remember because I had to fix this mistake that some one else did..
If you do this by your self remember to have the grove or hole in the bushing correctly oriented to the grease fitting.
One thing to remember because I had to fix this mistake that some one else did..
If you do this by your self remember to have the grove or hole in the bushing correctly oriented to the grease fitting.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 38
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From: Texas
Thanks to everyone for their replies. I get the idea that everyone is talking about removing the axle completely. Is this necessary to have the machine shop press the pins into the spindles? I couldn't see any other reason to remove the axle otherwise. I was just planning on beating it in place with a brass hammer, then again, I have never attempted this before. I will call the machine shop today and see what they have to say....
Vern
Vern
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Shreveport, La.
It is possible to beat it back together, BUT, you may find you've worn yourself, the hammer and several other tools out in the process.
I really don't like taking things to any shop to have someone else perform work, but I'd certainly do it on a chore like this, it's a real bugger.
Best wishes
I really don't like taking things to any shop to have someone else perform work, but I'd certainly do it on a chore like this, it's a real bugger.
Best wishes
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 38
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From: Texas
I called my local machine shop this morning. They said bring the old spindles in and they would press the bushings and hone them to fit the new pin, all for $40. He said I should be able to tap the new pins in without any problems. I am pretty excited about this process, this thing has needed new king pins for some time now.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver Island
Yes, the pins should just slide right in. Presumably the pins are still a tight fit in the axle? If the axle is worn, I haven't heard of a cheap/easy fix for that (a machine shop quoted me a couple hundred bucks to bore the axle out and put sleeves in)(I went with another axle).
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
something you have to consider also is the hole in the axle that the kingpin goes through. not just the spindle. the hole in the axle also gets worn and may need to have it sleeved. on my truck I didn't do that and then I had to take it all back apart. I hope this gets to you in time.
DAN
DAN