The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts wrong kingpin thrust bearing? on 2-Ton

Hi all,
I had posted some time ago that I had a loose kingpin and wondered what to do. Finally had time to work on it today and it came right out with no problems!!! It turns out that the bushing had worn and that was the cause of the wobble in the front wheel.
But here is the concern/question: According to the manual the 2-Ton should have 3 washers as the thrust bearing, what I pulled out was a single piece ball bearing. Looking a bit deeper in the manual (last page of the front axle chapter) it looks like a couple of the lighter trucks have the same size kingpin but use the ball-bearing type for the thrust bearing. So, my question: would it be acceptable to use either type of bearing for the thrust bearing when I replace or should I look for the 3-washer type.

Second question: the other kingpin on the other side of the truck appears to be in good shape still with absolutely no wobble and it appears that the cap is still on top, so is it really necessary to change out?

I am assuming that all the other bits and pieces of the kingpin assembly check out first before I make a final decision on replacing the good one.

My goal is to get the truck road-worthy but I am not restoring it.

Thanks all, you have been great answering my newbie questions.

Hy sty0b4586u, in my experience the three washer type of thrust bearing is much thinner than the ball bearing type, but you may use whichever type fits the axle you have. If you have one good kingpin and one bad one there is no need to replace the good one just because you are bringing the bad one back to snuff, hope that helps.

I've seen the thrust washer assembly same thickness and interchangeable with thrust bearings. Seems the thrust washer has higher load capacity and the bearings a little easier turning.
I opt for the thrust bearings when I replace kingpins and have a choice of kits/bearing type. To find those choices look in the catalog by size, not exact application, then cross your preferred kit back to application just to double check it fits the make and approximate model you're dealing with.

I agree, if the other side is good then fresh grease and leave it alone.

Thanks all.