Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | |
7 members (jay d, Bill Hanlon, RaNfLaS, GMCJammer51, DadsFirstPickup, Tyler Watts, Steelonsteel),
94
guests, and
3
robots. | | Key: Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,048 Posts1,055,663 Members48,426 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 187 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 187 | I have removed both kingpins for replacement and plan on getting a new set with bushings etc. Does anyone have the specs on the clearances between the pin and the axle eye hole. I have a certain amount of play but not sure what the norm is, otherwise I will go to an oversize kit. My manual gives no specs on this clearance, thanks for the help on this matter...Glenn
I would rather be late 10 minutes in this life than 10 minutes early for the next
The reason my lady and I have been together so long is because of the kids. Neither one of us wanted sole custody | | | | | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 81 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 81 | There should be no "play" at all. The kingpin/eyehole fit is what is called an "interference" fit. Old kingpin must be forced out..new kingpin driven in. The only clearences involved are those between the new kingpin and the bronze bushings. At one time, there were reamers available made specifically for the purpose of reaming the bushings, once installed in the spindle, to the correct size. meansam | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Glenn,
You do not indicative the year and size of truck you will be working on. Presumably it is a 1953 Chevrolet.
1/2 ton bushings are "floating" and require no reaming; however, the bushings on 3/4 ton and larger trucks' need to be reamed (a reamer is needed).
On any size truck, if you have to use an over-sized king-pin (and it sounds like you do), you will have to ream the axle holes (or, drill with an under-sized bit and then ream the holes).
Also, a large % of well-used 1/2 ton trucks have mis-shapened/worn bushing journals in their steering knuckles. If you have this problem, ask about how to deal with it (I bet you'll be back with questions on this matter).
Tim
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 431 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 431 | i congratulate you on getting them out | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | For the axle, if you have any clearance at all in the axle eye fit, the forces when driving will wallow out the hole. You would either need to use an oversize kingpin, which I believe only come in .010" over, or get steel bushings installed in the axle. I had the latter done to bring it back to standard.
If you have problems with oblong holes in the spindles, have a look at the tech tips. I believe there is a work around in there. | | |
| |