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| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 19 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 19 | In the midst of my first total restoration. The front end is apart now. I didn't want to replace the kingpins because everything seemed to move nicely but I knew I would get loud boos from people who know how to do this restoring thing. When I went to take them out, two things caught my attention. 1st the dust shield said 1 1/8. Why?? Secondly, it had 3 shims on each side. Is that bad? I alerted to these issues when the pins came out like butta. What do guys think who have done this. Did I just get lucky and have good kingpins already or are these signs that when it was last done, they went with some sort of oversized pin? | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | They should be snug, when clean you should have to push them in by hand, and they should not fall out on their own.
The shims are OK, that's to take up the slack and variation in the axle end and the thrust bearing.
You may have more than one oversize pin choice if needed.
Grigg | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 | I bet if you could get an accurate measure on the diameter of the pins with a caliper, that someone here could tell you whether or not they are oversized. What makes you believe that the pins have been replaced ever? They may have never been touched.
If they havent, and the hole isnt warped or worn through the bushings, then youd be perfect for a new set of kingpins in which a machinist would ream the bushings to fit the pin.
Hope that helps.
Jeff | | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 | According to your profile the patient is a '49 3100 (?) The 1/2 ton kingpins/bushings don't have to be reamed, they come as a fitted set. The only thing to worry about is if the axle hole is egg-shaped but as long as the new bushings fit snug into spindle and the new pin fits snug in the axle you should be good to go. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 19 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 19 | I thought they may have been replaced because they were driven out so easy. From my research, I thought they were going to need alot of persuasion. (they were well greased) I guess I am just lucky with the kingpins. I have been so unlucky that when it was easy, I knew there had to be a problem.
A caliper? I think I have a 30-30 rifle.
Thanks for all of your help. I feel better. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 565 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 565 | A caliper? I think I have a 30-30 rifle. 
"Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just leave me alone, you're starting to freak me out."
1957 GMC 150
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