The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Front Kingpins

I am currently working on getting the brakes right on my '48 1-ton. In the process, I found that my spindles are ridiculously floppy. My first thought was to put new Kingpins on it. However, when I got the old ones out, they still have some play within the bore on the axle.

That doesn't seem right to me but is it normal? If not, how do I go about fixing it? I don't see anywhere I can get oversize kingpins. Do I need to start looking for JY axles or a machine shop to ream and sleeve mine?

The wedge pin holds the king pin stationary in the axle. If you are just placing the pin in the axle without the wedge pin, it is not a true indication of whether or not it will incur any play. If you install the wedge pin and there is still play, then yes, you have a problem!

I first discovered the play when I took off the brake drum and at that point everything (including the wedge pin) was assembled.

I actually just came across AC Delco P/N: 45F00134 which looks like a .020" oversize Kingpin. I think I will order those and find a machine shop that will ream my axle and spindles.

To think, all this started with me trying to get the stack of new wheels and tires out of my garage and onto the truck but turned into new wheel cylinders, brake lines, wheel bearings, kingpins, and shocks

My experience with my 1 Ton was that if the holes in the axle are the least bit sloppy, the wedge will only hold it tight until you drive down the road. If the pin drops out of the axle by itself, you have a problem. I took my axle to a machine shop and they installed hardened steel bushings in the axle and brought it back to standard.

correct, the proper fit is a snug slip fit, might take a few whacks with a rubber mallet to get them in, could possibly do it with firm palm pressure.
Falling out is a problem, loose fit.

the lock bolt is not going to to "improve" the fit.

Look and see if you can get 0.010" oversize if that's all your axle needs to clean up, saving the 0.020" oversize for more extreme wear or the second time around in another 60 years.

Aaron,
Yes that's how it starts, and soon you've touched every single nut and bolt in your truck! "Well, I've come this far. What's a little deeper going to hurt?"

It hurts nothing except the wallet!

Ah the Siren's Song "well while I've got this apart I might as well fix..."

That's why I have to wear ear plugs in the shop
Chuck

Unfortunately I could not find .010" oversize but my machinist seemed to think the .010" would not have been enough anyway. I am finding this rig was very well used before my aunt and uncle got a hold of it (having been off the road since the 70's hasn't helped)

"While I'm at it, I might as well..." are a gear head's famous last words.

From my experience, when you get to the end and have it on the road, it is a pretty impressive machine. I really enjoy driving mine.

I am very much looking forward to that day!