King Pin Installation ?
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From: Williamson, NY
King Pin Installation ?
I will soon be replacing the king pin assemblies in my 77 F150 and I have some questions that are not addressed in my Chiltons or Haynes repair manuals. My 1st questions deals w/ the shim installation. I assume the shims needed are to be installed under the thrust bearing, is this correct? What is the clearence spec, so that I can determine how many shims I need? My 2nd question is how far do you install the king pin bushings into their bores? Thanks.
Jim
Jim
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From: Sonoma, CA
I've never done it. Sounds like a real PITA though. Search or post on the steering and suspension forum. You'll get more info there. I bought my KP's from Rock Auto and will have my local alignment shop handle the install. He estimates 3-4 hours total for both sides and this is one task I'm choosing to send out. It would not take me 3-4 hours I guarantee.
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From: Baltimore
1) The thrust bearing should be mounted underneath the I-Beam between the bottom of the I-Beam and the lower portion of the spindle. The shims belong on top of the I-Beam. The shims are not designed to carry the weight of the vehicle and for that reason, they belong on top of the Ibeam.
2) The shims should be inserted so that the axle-to-spindle clearance is .003 to .010 inches.
3) If you have the correct bushings, they should be almost as long as the smooth part of the bores in the spindle. They should not protrude into the threaded area of the bore but they should be just about as long as the entire smooth portion of the bore. Some of the thrust bearings have a collar which protrudes into the spindle bore and if your bearings are like that, you need to account for that when you insert the bushings.
2) The shims should be inserted so that the axle-to-spindle clearance is .003 to .010 inches.
3) If you have the correct bushings, they should be almost as long as the smooth part of the bores in the spindle. They should not protrude into the threaded area of the bore but they should be just about as long as the entire smooth portion of the bore. Some of the thrust bearings have a collar which protrudes into the spindle bore and if your bearings are like that, you need to account for that when you insert the bushings.
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From: Williamson, NY
Thanks Whalerron! That's exactly the information I was looking for. My thrust bearings do not have the collar you spoke of, but the kit does contain two grease seals that look like they fit into the spindle bore and seal around the kingpin. I did not find these on my old kingpin assembly, where are these seals supposed to be installed? Thanks.
Jim
Jim
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From: Baltimore
I forgot about the seal. The upper seal goes into the spindle bore on the end closest to the I-Beam. When you insert the seal into the bore, put the seal's metal backing toward the bushing. This way, when you grease the king pin, the excess grease can get out around the seal. If you put the seal in the other way, the grease cannot get past the seal.
When you put the bushings in, you need to leave the 3/32" or so to allow for the seal.
There is no seal on the lower side. Also, make sure that you grease the thrust bearing before installing it.
Have you decided how you will ream out the bushings to the proper ID? I bought brass (bronze?) bushings and an adjustable ream. I then reamed out the bushings by hand until they were the correct size. If you buy delrin bushing, you will be doing this job again. If you buy the bronze bushings, and if you keep them greased, they will last a very long time.
When you put the bushings in, you need to leave the 3/32" or so to allow for the seal.
There is no seal on the lower side. Also, make sure that you grease the thrust bearing before installing it.
Have you decided how you will ream out the bushings to the proper ID? I bought brass (bronze?) bushings and an adjustable ream. I then reamed out the bushings by hand until they were the correct size. If you buy delrin bushing, you will be doing this job again. If you buy the bronze bushings, and if you keep them greased, they will last a very long time.
Last edited by whalerron; Jul 23, 2006 at 10:00 PM.
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From: Williamson, NY
Originally Posted by whalerron
Have you decided how you will ream out the bushings to the proper ID? I bought brass (bronze?) bushings and an adjustable ream. I then reamed out the bushings by hand until they were the correct size. If you buy delrin bushing, you will be doing this job again. If you buy the bronze bushings, and if you keep them greased, they will last a very long time.
Jim
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From: Baltimore
If you can get the old pins out, the job really isn't that hard. On my 73, It took me a few hours to do the whole job. The job was easy because the pins dropped right out. My 67 was another story entirely. On that truck, I had to remove the I-Beams and pound out the pins because they hadn't been greased in a very long time. Good luck with it....you are welcome.
- ron
- ron
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