The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Dreaded king pins...are they dreaded?

So I've read the tech tip about king pins, but it was written about a 1/2 ton. How bad of a job is this going to be? I'm working on a 41 1.5 ton. Suggestions, or things that work and don't work?? Thanks!

I have a 45 1.5t and probably am in the same boat. Steering is all over the place.

having the right tools make a world of a difference.

I had a shop replace my king pins since I don't have the right tools. I got the parts from Chevs of the 40s. The mechanic said the parts fit perfectly and he was surprised how easy the replacement went.

Hard part can be getting the king pins pressed out of the axle, sometimes they're really rusted in tight. Other times they tap out with a rubber mallet...

After that you remove and replace the bushings and have them reamed or honed. Trick there is ensuring they're reamed on the same center line as each other, easily done with a reamer with a floating pilot, or simpler yet by taking them to an automotive machine shop.

I have only done king pins on 47-55 1/2 ton trucks (which do require reaming of the bushings). When I could not remove the king-pin, even using a small hydraulic press, I have taken the axle assembly (with spindles/knuckles attached) to a front-end shop.

If you do not have the reamer tool (for the bushings), you might want to find a front-end shop that has someone who will work on your assembly. If a king pin is loose in the axle, you will need over-sized pins and the holes in the axle will also have to be reamed.

A few years ago, I needed an axle reamed for an over-sized pin and was quoted $400 (lowest quote) just for the reaming. I bought an adjustable reamer (about $30) on eBay and did it myself (1/2 ton truck).

As posted above, from ashton onwards, you need the right tools (and experience does help). Check around for a quote from a shop - tell them you will bring them a cleaned assembly - the axle with knuckles in place.

You might also want to check around to see if you can find king pin sets for your truck - standard size, 0.10" oversize pin/bushings, and even 0.020" over-sized pins and bushings. Don't buy them, just find a source This would assist the shop in the time needed to find old parts.

What is the diameter and length of the standard king-pin for your year/size truck?

Thanks everyone. I'm not sure of the size.. I have the kit somewhere, but don't remember the size. I am going to have them done, as per advice. I found a shop locally that will do them with no problem. They want to see it for a quote, so I'll get'er running and down there. Easier than taking the axel off (again) and running it down.