The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 3100 Steering Knuckle Bore Diameter

Hello All,

I have a 1947 3100 with a stock front end. I have recently acquired a pair of steering knuckles from a 1953. One of the knuckles appear to "good" bore, while the other may have some wear. I could measure the "good" knuckle and compare, but does anyone happen to know the standard bore diameter?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Bill

It appears you are looking for the outer diameter of the 3100 kingpin bushing?

The bushing diameter, and standard king pin diameter is shown in the Shop Manual (same from '46-'59, I think)

The knuckles are not the same over that period.
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/1929_57chevyparts/57cmpc0523.htm

Tim,

Thanks for the reply.

I had looked at the 1947 Chevy Shop Manual at the Old Car Manual Project, but my impression was that the .868" dimension was for the bushing ID (based on King Pin OD of .866") and the the .923" dimension was for the ID of the 3/4 ton bushing (see the "ream in place" note in the lower table).

Not certain how to interpret the shop manual table, or more accurately, I can't make out the fractional size. Any other thoughts?

Thanks and best regards,

Bill

Hello, Bill,

I am not sure what you want to know?
Which fractional sizes?

The 1947 & 1953 steering knuckles' bushing outer diameter and the king-pin bore diameter look to be the same for both years.
those specs should be the same through 1953 (and later)

However, you might have noticed from looking at the Master Parts Catalog that the 3100 knuckles changed in 1950, most likely due to the changes made when GM changed from Huck style brakes to Bendix style brakes.

Tim,

The fractional size I'm referencing is a number on the shop manual page. I thought it was a fractional measurement for the bushing, but that doesn't seem likely.

The link isn't working. If it shows the bushing outer diameter, that's the number I'm trying to confirm; do you have it?

Thanks again for your help and patience,

Bill

Bill,

This is what I meant to link-to:
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0316.htm

However, I do not think that is what you want?
I think you want to know the kingpin bushings' inner AND outer diameter (for fitting the bushing into a knuckle)?
"3100 Steering Knuckle Bore Diameter"

That diameter did not change over many years.
I cannot find the measurement for the outer diameter of the bushing, but, it did not change for many years, as shown in the 1957 Master Parts Catalog, that I linked-to, above.
6.021 - the bushings

Nonetheless, what do you want to know: do you want to know what year steering knuckles will work on your truck?
A link in one of my posts above, shows the 1950 and later steering knuckle is different from the earlier steering knuckle - due, I think, to the change in the brakes.
6.020 - the knuckles - go to the next page, for the years you are interested in
1951-1957 are the same
1946-1950 are the same

Tim,

That's all helpful information.

Yes, I was interested in the bushing outer diameter so that I could measure the spindle bores. However, as you've shown, I purchased a set of spindles that most likely will not work on my truck (no fault of the fellow who sold them to me). That being the case, my interest in qualifying the bushing bores is waning...

Thanks for the education and the help.

Bill

Bill,

If your "useless" knuckles will tightly hold new bushings, they are worth "good money".

Post them for sale in the Swap Meet.

Tim,

Sorry for the delay, but thanks for your advice on this. I've still got the spindles, waiting for the time to check them as you suggest. Yet another lesson learned from a hurried purchase; I'll check the master parts catalog in the future.

Thanks again.

Bill