Kingpin Washer Gap??

[partsfarmer]

I have a 72 F-350 that has steering problems. I have already replaced the radius arm bushings and one of the axle pivot bushings that was in bad shape. The problem has improved but still she wants to dip in curves and feels unsafe. The wheels bearings and balljoints seem to be good without any lateral movement when the truck is jacked up and the wheels are pulled on. Upon inspection I noticed a gap between the spindle and the kingpin washers. The gap is 1/8 to 3/16. How much is correct if any?? Thanks for any help in advance.

[basketcase0302]

partsfarmer,

Here's a tutorial on the specifications, you'll find a lot more good tutorials here on Fordification as well:
http://www.fordification.com/frontend-alignment.htm

Please stop by the Welcome Mat and say hi to everyone when you get a chance.



Jeff

[Faltura]

I have the same 72 f-350. Mine seemed to pull to the right fairly strong depending on the crest of the road and speed. Low speed and turns made it worse. Drives straight at highway speeds (50-55). The right king pin is slightly loose. That is the only obvious problem I can see. Putting new tires on the front this week made a BIG difference. ( 5.5 tread width)
Bad shocks will make it squirmish too.

[partsfarmer]

Thanks for the great information. Unfortunately, the specs did not include one for the gap between kingpin washers/spacers. Does anyone have experience with this?

[fmartin_gila1]

I don't know if there is a specification. I have always installed as many shims in as possible, eliminating as much gap and movement as possible, going on the principle that any gap will just create more wear and gap as it pounds itself. I have not had any formal training on setting these up, but that's the way I was taught to do back in the early 50s when there were a lot more of this type front ends around.

Fred

[MustangSteve]

I have only done 4 of those, but NONE of the original F-100 kingpins had ANY gap. I replaced with as tight a stack of shims as I could get in there...