The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline King pin thrust washer assembly

I have read all the posts on this form regarding kingpins, The one thing I can't figure out is the assembly and order of the brass thrust washers on my 1956 3100. In the original shop manual it states there should be a thin washer between the two thrust washers facing each other like a sandwich with a thin washer in the middle. However the speedway motor instructions state that the two thrust washer should be facing each other with no mention of the thin washer in between. The kit does come with washers to use as shims but it also comes with two smaller washers that would fit inside between the brass thrust washers. Anybody have the proper information on this. Thanks.

If the parts seem to be the same I would lean toward following the OEM shop manual.

Hy cansled and guys, brass should never bear directly against brass, there should be something steel in between the brass thrust surfaces. There should be specifications for clearance between the spindle and the axle, build it right up to spec if you have enough shims. Check and correct any burrs on the spindle and axle before you try assembling, hope that helps.

Most all heavy truck king pin install the same way, the bearing is on the bottom and all the shims go on the top. The weight over time will beat the brass out of shape, shims are only for taking up clearance and should never be used under a moving load. If they are using them as bushing, I would look for another set.