Kingpin installation

3

37fordpickup

Senior Member
I am replacing the kingpins on my 37 and I could use some advice or tips. So far I have the new bushings installed in the spindles and I am ready to put the kingpins in but they seem very, very tight. Would it better to take the axle off and take the whole thing to a machine shop to have them pressed in?
 
They make a do it yourself reamer is a all you need,borrow one somewhere made especially for this .
 
If you've got the spindels off and the new bushing installed, They need to be reamed or honed to fit the pins. It's best to have them honed. take them to a auto machine shop and have them honed to fit the new pins. No need to remove the axel. Walt
 
Walt Dupont--Me. said:
If you've got the spindels off and the new bushing installed, They need to be reamed or honed to fit the pins. It's best to have them honed. take them to a auto machine shop and have them honed to fit the new pins. No need to remove the axel. Walt
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Absolutely Yes X2:cool::cool:
 
After you install the bushings in the spindles, you need to hone the bushings to fit the kingpin. A palm push of the kingpin is good. Take the kingpins and spindles to a truck repair shop or an auto machine shop to have this done.
 
Just finished this job on my Mercury.
Bought an adjustable reamer for $29 and reamed them myself.
It needs to be a long reamer that will act as a pilot to keep the top and bottom aligned.
Easy job. My wife actually did the reaming (which after 20 years, she is quite good at) I mean she did the reaming of the spindles...Boy, I hope she doesnt read this. I'll really get reamed for that comment.
Anyways, back to the kinkpins, i just kept increasing the diameter ever so slightly until I could press the kingpins in with the palm of my hand.
Good luck with yours
Todd
 
I bought a reamer from Dick Spadaro, it worked perfectly. On 42 - 48 spindles make sure you line up top and bottom bushings. Ask me how I know.
 
48Flyer said:
Easy job. My wife actually did the reaming (which after 20 years, she is quite good at) I mean she did the reaming of the spindles...Boy, I hope she doesnt read this. I'll really get reamed for that comment.

Todd
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I guess we now know who wares the pants at your house :rolleyes:
 
Read attachment---It's a lot of work, why not do it right and get the extra miles.
 

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The Sunnen hone system is a good set up and works very well for most applications. I think they work best on hard materials. On softer materials they have a tendency to leave microscopic bits of grit embedded into the surface. I'm sure it isn't a giant big issue but due to this I've always prefered the purpose built multi fluted reamers that were specifically made for align cutting the king pin bushings. I have one for the Mercury cars of 49 thru 51 that use the larger pins but haven't purchased one yet for the Ford 7/8" pins that were a lot more common. I have a whole set of adjustables and they do have a tendency to cut a jittery bore that will wear faster, The purpose built ones will cut a much smoother bore.
 
Those bushings done with a hone properly are going to outlive you and me and I don't know how old you are. FWIW
Paul in CT
 
Picked up the spindles today and they are now on the truck. I truly appreciate all of the answers and there will be many more as I continue with this restoration.
 
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