The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop king pin wear test

Check for play in the kingpins by jacking the truck up by the axle and trying to shake the wheels vertically. No play, no wear. Mine were quite worn without much drivability problems yet. The tie rods are checked by having someone turn the steering wheel while you watch for play with the wheels on the ground. If you have worn king pins and tie rods chances are that the spring pivots and shackles are worn out too and you should replace everything that you can all at once. My truck drives quite nicely and rides fine with new king pins, shackles, spring pivots, tie rod ends, and shocks. I have no need for a steering damper. I may add a swaybar eventually.