The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk My son's '50 1/2 ton king pins

My dad and I pressed out the old bushings and after cleaning the area where the caps were staked in up with a die grinder and a quick trip through the sand blaster we tried putting in the bushings. They seem to slide in REALLY easy! They are not loose side to side but when test fitting the pin they will slide right out... Is this too loose?

The bushings float on the 1/2 ton truck

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/kingpin.pdf

As long as your in tolerance and the grease slots line up you should be ok.
Check for excessive play when assembled.

Good luck

So, the hole in the bushing doesn't need to stay in line with the grease fitting hole-just the grove- and grease will follow it around to the bushing hole and ti the kingpin? That makes me feel better! I only have experience with old ford trucks where they are driven in and reamed!

Thanks!

Michael

If you do not have a Shop Manual for your truck, there is a Shop Manual on line.

Just got one in the mail-did not realize what they meant by "free-floating" feel silly now. Oh, What size die do I need to clean up the spindle threads?

Mine are slightly loose like yours, I was told to use a sleeve retainer compound to hold them in place. I'm using a napa product #765-1149. I will be doing mine soon. Good luck. Dave

Thanks for the tip-we'll drive by
NAPA and order some!

I would think a little red locktight on the outer surface of the bushing will lock in place. I dont like the idea of the free floating bushing as eventually, the bushing will wear the hard to replace spindle. Best to just wear out the bushing and kingpin which can be replaced readily.