The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1958 3100 kingpin diameter

Can anyone please tell me the diameter of the stock kingpin for a '58 1/2 ton?

Bought a new set that has 15/16" x 5.625" len pins.

I have now discovered that the ones that came off are 7/8" x 5.312" len pins.

Axle looks to have a bushing... are my king pins undersize??

Phil,

The kingpins that you have are definitely too large for a 3100. The correct pins are the 7/8"diameter.

There are bushings that fit in the spindle ends which hold the kingpin in place in the spindles. The straight axle itself should have no bushing, simply a machined bore into which the kingpin fits, and which is then wedged into place with a perpendicular lock pin. Typically, loose or worn spindles and axle bores are repaired by boring out and inserting slightly oversize spindles and bushings (.010 over). I have never seen an axle itself bored out and a sleeve inserted to take up slack. Perhaps someone else out there has an answer?

Phil, I HIGHLY recommend that you get yourself a 1958 shop manual. Almost every parts house carries them, and it will help you as you work through the front end.

Welcome to the 'Bolt, its always good to see another TF out there. You will find this a great storehouse of collective wisdom (well, there is some occasional stupidity ). All in all, though, a lot of really great people who are always willing to help out.

I have seen the thrust washer wear a design into the axle that, on casual inspection, looks like
a field installed bushing.

Strange things do happen, and a bushing certainly could have been installed, but my bet is with a 'wear ridge' that isn't what it appears to be.

Stuart

Thanks for all the info! I definitely will be getting a shop manual. Will also take a closer look to see if it is a bushing or not.

Got the brakes fully removed from chassis, hard lines and all. Was planning get it back together this weekend :-( not now.

The vendor tells me that there is no difference, 15/16" = 7/8"... yeah right.

Anyone have a good source for a true 7/8" diameter kingpin set?

You guys were right about the axle bushing... there is none.

Stuart you nailed it, it is just a wear pattern.

0.866" x 5.31" are the correct dims.

Avoid the '55-59 kingpins @ bowtie bits. Unless you want to bore your axle to 0.92".

Phil,

I got my set from Chevy Duty (Now Classic Parts) and they were of excellent quality. Also check our sponsor, American Classic Truck Parts as well.

I remember now what automarc was talking about as my thrust washers were shot as well, and the wear pattern in the axle did look like a "bushing".

Good luck and get a shop manual, it will really be of help as you rebuild. Let us know how it goes, and be sure to take your time. A little patience now will serve you well down the road.