VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Trucks and Vans 1955 1st kingpin bushings (1/2 ton)

I read post #74073 on this subject, but I'm still a bit freaked out. I need some reassurance. read on...

Ok, so took apart the passenger side kingpin this afternoon. I took a drift and tap, tap, tap (and that's with my gurlie arms) the kingpin bushings came right out. Hmmm this is very scary. I've never had a part that had to be driven out come out this easily.

To add another wrinkle to my furrowed brow, I recalled the conversation when I ordered the parts - the guy on the phone said if the bushing was loose in the spindle arm, I need a new spindle (this is a very reputable parts dealer for vintage chevy truck parts, it rhymes with willing nation).

The manual offers very little assistance with reassembly, but using the 3/4 ton instructions for guidance, I went to press in the bearings and they slid right in, and then when I picked it up off the press, they slid right out. CAN THIS BE RIGHT? Do I need to order/find new spindles? The earlier post said the bushings are free floating, but is this what they mean?

Thanks for the help and advice.

There is no need to press either the bushings or the bearings on your truck. The bushings are full floating. This means that they are free to turn in either the spindle or the king pin sides. They also do not require reaming. At one time the bushings were made in .010" oversize to compensate for worn spindles. They were seldom needed and have not been made for years. The part number of the O.S> bushings was 609880 and was for 1941-1959 trucks only.

You're the best! Thanks!