1979 front end help

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Jan 4, 2009 | 02:57 PM

drof46

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Joined: Nov 2005

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From: Benton, AR

1979 front end help

I'm installing my drop beams on the front end. I'm down to the large bolt that comes up between the coil spring. Does anyone know what size socket fits the head of this bolt. I don't currently have an impact socket large enough.

Also I will be replacing the king pins. One side came out with a couple of easy hits, other side required heat and the BFH. There are two options for replacement. One set has a nylon sleeve and the other steel. Is there any benefit to paying the higher price for the steel sleeve?

Thanks

Jan 4, 2009 | 04:27 PM

Alvin in AZ

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Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 2,760

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From: Gadsden Purchase

Quote:

Originally Posted by drof46

I'm down to the large bolt that comes up between the coil spring.
Does anyone know what size socket fits the head of this bolt.
I don't currently have an impact socket large enough.

That's a 3/4" bolt and both the head and lock nut are 1+1/8".
You shouldn't need an impact socket. :)

I turned a #37 "plow" wrench into a #37A back in the early 80's and
still like to use that old sucker...
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/toolbox.jpg
Since then found a #37A at a yard sale that still has its black paint on it. :)
But I still carry and use the one I "modified".

Wrenches didn't used to have "sizes" they were simply numbered. :)
A "number 25" was 1/2" on one end and 9/16" on the other, for example.
My grandpa (a farmer) always used the wrench numbers when asking me
to fetch 'im a wrench. He never switched over to the new-fangled-way. LOL :)

Quote:

...replacing the king pins. One side came out with a couple of easy hits,
other side required heat and the BFH.

Cool, a fellow hammer mechanic. :)

In my '75 Ford shop manual I wrote the note...
"out through the top" "in through the top"
Did you go "down" without trying "up" too?

Quote:

There are two options for replacement.
One set has a nylon sleeve and the other steel.
Is there any benefit to paying the higher price for the steel sleeve?

A guy recommended the plastic ones here a while back.
He didn't bother to tell why. :(
I didn't bother to ask either. :(

Off hand I'd go with steel backed brass like the originals.
I'd have to hear some good reasons and "proof" before going with plastic.
But that's just me... and I'm weird anyway... I "like" greasing my truck
every 3,000 miles.

Alvin in AZ

Jan 4, 2009 | 05:19 PM

drof46

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 998

Likes: 2

From: Benton, AR

Thanks for the socket size. I am quickly becoming an impact addict. Its only a 1/2 inch impact, but had made life much easier. I don't know that I have anything that would require a 3/4" yet. My uncle and grandfather own a 1" that will either back it out or twist it off, lol.

Thanks again, headed to the store.

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