How are the kingpins/spindles removed from the I-beams?

[robroy]

Hello!

Yesterday I got the brakes all removed from the front, and thought
I'd take the spindles off next, but I didn't see any obvious way of
doing so.

Are the spindles/kingpins easy to remove from the I-beams, or do folks
take them to a machine shop to have them pressed out or something?

Also, how should I determine whether or not the spindles should be
replaced? Is it possible to determine this once they're off the vehicle, or
perhaps while they're still attached to the I-beams but with no wheels
or anything?

Thanks very much!
-Robroy

[390Nut]

lots of and and a BFH! (big friggin' hammer)

Seriously though, remove the bolt that goes through the axle to hold the kingpin in place. You'll need to drive it out. Then squirt some penetrant in there, WD-40 or better yet, PB Blaster, and let it sit for awhile. If you've got time to wait, do that several times a day.

Then use a torch to heat the axle where the kingpin passes through it. Put a solid wood block under the axle, right up to the spindle assembly, and then use a 3lb sledge and something solid as a punch/drift pin to start driving the kingpin out.

If the kingpins have never been out, or it's been a long time since they have, it takes a LOT of work, or a good press, to get them out. Your local climate makes a difference, too; the wetter the climate, the more likely they will be to have rusted to the axles.

Whatever you do, be VERY careful of the threads in the spindles. Mess them up and you'll be looking for new ones!

As for replacing the spindles, you shouldn't need to unless one is bent, or the bearing surfaces are destroyed or rusted badly. While not advisable to fix damaged threads on the end of the spindle, it can be done, but it's a matter of safety. You don't want your entire hub/wheel assembly falling off at 60 mph.

[mrtleavitt]

It's probably the least funnest job I've done. But when it's done you won't have do do it again for a long time...hopefully.

[robroy]

Hi folks, thanks very much for the replies!

Paul, thanks for the detailed description of how to go about getting the kingpins out. After reading it I've decided to drop both of the I-beams off at a machine shop to have the kingpins pressed out.

This question probably should have come before any of the others, but how do I tell if the kingpins need replacing? One of them feels a little gummy towards one far end of its travel, but they both seem fine overall. How probable is it that kingpins from 1972 with tons of miles on them would be perfectly fine?

Thanks again,
-Robroy

[td]

i would imagine if their in that good of shape they've been replaced sometime in the last 36 years.

[robroy]

Hi Td,

I know what you mean!

Do you know how the kingpins are tested by shops for wear?

Thanks very much folks!
-Robroy

[td]

robroy, in my opinion if you dont feel any loosness or slop when you turn them side to side by hand i would assume their ok. Did you drive this truck any before you tore the front end apart? if so how did the front end feal on the road tight or loose?

[robroy]

Hi Td,

I did drive the truck quite a bit, but that was five to ten years ago. It has been sitting ever since because of engine problems, which prompted me to start ripping in to it this summer.

I don't really remember how the front end felt on the road, and I'm not sure if I was sensitive or experienced enough with cars at the time to notice in any detail. Sometimes it's hard to know the condition of something without a comparison, and I'd never spent much time in another similar Ford truck to make that comparison.

Maybe I'll drive them in to a local suspension shop so they can give them a feel an offer advice.

Thanks very much Td!
-Robroy

[td]

your welcome! holler back if i can help.

[robroy]

Good morning Folks!

My buddies at Napa Carr Parts in Santa Cruz removed them last week for $85. I am *very* glad I hired them instead of trying myself!

And thanks goodness the bearings in there are totally shot. That makes me feel justified in going to all this bother.

They're going to order a new kingpin kit for me (as soon as they confirm that its USA made), then I'll take the pieces back when they're all re-beautified for them to put back together.

Thanks folks for all the suggestions!
-Robroy

[robroy]

The kingpin kit was indeed USA made! They ordered it and will put it together for me, once I bring them the newly painted spindles and I-beams. I'll post pictures here soon.

-Robroy

[Banjo]

you missed half the fun of owning something with kingpins, whipping the heck out of them with a hammer and smacking your hand (repeatedly) and inventing new cuss words for the neighbors to hear!

[robroy]

Hey Banjo, you're probably right. On the bright side, maybe the kingpins will be bad and need to be replaced in six months; then I can try the shadetree method.