I just replaced the kingpins on my '56 F-250 and I noted that the kingpin bearings have an open side and a closed side. The last person who serviced the vehicle put one bearing in with the open side up and one bearing in with the closed side up. I suspect that the closed side should be up to prevent water, dirt, etc. from collecting inside the bearing. I can't tell from the illustrations in the shop manual and it doesn't give the bearing orientation details in the service instructions. Anybody know which way the bearings go in?

Also, I need to put a couple of shims in each side to make up for 50 years of wear. I have the shims and I think they should go below the bearing, against the inside surface of the lower arm of the spindle. Anybody know if this is correct?

Thanks.

 

Earl,
Acording to my 60 manual the bearing opening faces up and the shims go on the top of the spindle. Hope this helps.
Bob Wood

 

Thanks, Bob. I checked a couple of later sources and they confirm your info. Glad I found out before I put the whole thing together! Thanks again.