Hello, I am just getting into making my new 1951 Ford F1 more drive-able. The three main issues right now are the steering, braking and wiring. The Steering is quite loose but smooth. I am planning on taking apart all of the steering linkages and replace the bushings, gaskets and retighten everything to the proper torque. The big concern that I have are the kingpins. I spoke to a shop today about replacing them and if I bring the set, he can do it for a minimum of $250 or much more if he has a trouble getting them out. To reduce the chances of blowing my budget just on this item, I am likely going to take everything apart for him and then have the bushing reamed by him.

I then ran across the Royal kingpin set which uses needle bearings instead of bushings. They are the price of only the labor and seems that they would last longer and will not require reaming. Have other had any experience with this product? Any other ideas regarding the loose steering? I do not think that the steering box is worn, but any suggestions on ways to test it.

If it is bad, I will likely go the Toyota Power steering route.

Thank you for your input,
Steve

 

You can buy 5 pairs of King pins for the price of one set of the needle bearing type. I thought about it before I bought the standard King pins. I just can't see any advantage in them, IMO.

 

I was hoping to avoid the reaming. I both unsure of reaming myself or getting reamed by a shop. Just the labor to change the pins is the price of the Royal King Pin set. If they are just as reliable and self serviceable, then I think that they are a consideration. Thanks for your input.