Kingpins, nylon bushings

[hampstead38]

Looking at RockAuto, it looks like the only kingpins ('66 D200) are AC/Delco with nylon bushings rather than "old school" with metal bushings? Anyone have any experience with the nylon? Thanks in advance.

[Hobcobble]

I only know that others have said that nylon parts will wear quicker. Try NAPA....
http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/N ... SubCatId=2
If you plan on towing a trailer all over the US.... you might want to consider using metal
bushings.
John

[Ziggy]

Go with the metal. This is also a job you may want to farm out to a TRUCK service station. Car places usually have no idea about these things and the way a few mechanics described how they would install them scares me.

The bushings are normally pressed fit. Most people pound them in and out and the steering is usually too tight to turn the wheel when they are done. It is usually a fun filled day of pain and frustration too. I had my 70 F250 done at a truck place. They pressed them in and reamed them to the proper tolerances and it streers fine.

Ziggy

[hampstead38]

The local guy doing the work has done a fair number of kingpins. He's got the press to get the old pins out and machine tools to ream everything to fit right. He recommended the metal bushing, but said he needed to check parts. I gave him a call and told him to check Napa. I figure I'd keep the hammer and torch for beating on a receiver box hitch where a metal receiver is rust-frozen in. That'll be my stress reliever for this week.

I suppose another points on kingpins (and other suspension components) is making sure things stay slippery. Good maintenance makes everything last a bit longer.

[jarrod1964]

I work in a truck shop, (International Dealership), I have personally installed kingpin bushings, we use bushing drivers and hammers, have not had too much trouble. Just make sure they are straight! I would personally stay away from nylon bushings, I like brass,they are not that hard to ream and adjust, have to lube everything before install. We have been trying out Kieser no reem bushings, they are spiral cut like a spring and when installed they do not need reamed, they are made out of a hardened steel, we have found they can be pushed in by hand, just twist them in. With the spiral cut the grease will actually flow easier. We are tought to do a 3 piont turn when greasing kingpins, turn hard right grease, hard left grease and straight forward and grease, with the wheels off of the ground, just make sure new grease shows, will make a mess, but that's what rags are for. If you seperate everything yourself be gentle, I have seen big truck axles ruint from rambunctious guys with a torch and big hammer.

jarrod1964

[Ziggy]

Online search of AutoZone shows them as 'King Bolts'. Metal bushings are available

Standard cab

KA1378

KA225

Crew cab

KA1337

KA1417

NAPA online search for standard cab

NCP 2621416 $58.99

NCP 2621378 $78.49

Computers...not just for porn anymore!

Ziggy