Front axle problem

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Nov 5, 2004 | 09:18 PM

john061543

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Junior User

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 60

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From: Grapeview, WA

Front axle problem

Just got a 1955 F100, 6-cylinder, 3-speed, in pretty good shape body-wise. Need to replace all the glass, but it runs and drives. Interesting problem with the front axle: the kingpins are loose in the axle. The locking pin is in place, they don't rotate, but you can rock them front-to back. Not too much, but any is too much. Does anyone make a bushing that goes in the axle? The spindles are tight.

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

John

Nov 5, 2004 | 09:29 PM

Christopher2

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 1,784

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From: Minnesota

If you go to some place like McMaster Carr you can order bushings from them. Do a search online and you can find them. You will need to know what you are looking for ID and OD they are not an autosupply company.

Nov 6, 2004 | 08:16 AM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,297

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From: NM

Not to be negative, but I bet the previous owner had stuck pins and had to do some hot-wrenching, drilling, and pounding on them to get them out, and has wallowed out the axle. Is it possible only the pin is worn? Doesn't seem likely.

I'd be tempted to say get a new axle, or at least have it thoroughly checked for other damage before investing in salvaging this one (dye check, etc.).

Nov 6, 2004 | 08:35 AM

my my 289

New User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 20

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From: pa

I have my axle at a shop right now. Same problem. The mechanic claims he can get the pins in a .010 oversize, and ream the axle to fit.

Nov 6, 2004 | 10:04 AM

himmelberg

Posting Guru

Joined: Jan 2002

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From: Midland, Texas

You can get kingpin/bushing sets from Mac's or Bob's.

Nov 6, 2004 | 10:17 AM

Christopher2

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 1,784

Likes: 45

From: Minnesota

I would post a want add in this forum. I know it is not the correct place but I have not had any luck with the for sale forum. People here have removed their front axle and put in a IFS setup. The oversize king pin is a god idea also I have seen thiem listed in the catalogs at my local NAPA for a 1950.

Nov 6, 2004 | 07:16 PM

barry

Postmaster

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 2,813

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From: Connecticut

You can get oversized pins in different sizes. It was very common for that to happen. When I worked in my first Ford dealer inn the 70's, we had all the reamers to do that. I wish I had those now. Any good machine shop can do that type of work. See what it would cost against buying and shipping an axle to you. it might be cheaper to repair what you have and then you know exactly what you've got when you're done.

Barry

50 F-1