1954 kingpin help
I am putting together the front suspension of my 54 ( followed Tom parsons step by step post) and the kingpin locking bolts aren't sliding in. I already wrecked (2)bolts by forcing them.Is there a special knack to installing them? Thanks for any help, frank (54675)
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Re: 1954 kingpin help
Frank,
If I remember correctly, the King Pin is notched to accept the bolt. Are you sure you have the notch in the right location?
Dennis -
Re: 1954 kingpin help
Yes. I should have ran the bolt thru before I installed the kingpin to make sure it fit. I can see the notch and it looks lined up but the bolt only goes so far. I even greased it up and still no good. Maybe if I take a little off the bolt by the notch it will slide in.Comment
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Re: 1954 kingpin help
Thanks, I will check it in the a.m. I guess that must be it or there would be a lot more questions like mine. This is my first and I am learning a lot. I'm sure I will be back on when I put the rear together. Thanks Dennis I hope that's why it is. FrankComment
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Re: 1954 kingpin help
Frank,
I just replaced the kingpins in my 57 using a set made by TRW and everything went together just fine.
Try using a magic marker and marking the top of the kingpin where the notch is located before inserting, it worked for me.Comment
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Re: 1954 kingpin help
Bruce- It must not be lined up just right. I will try that, thanks. Did the bolt slide right in for you or did take some force to put it in?Comment
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Re: 1954 kingpin help
When you refer to the "bolt" I assume it is the one (actually the only one on the assembly) that locks the kingpin in position.
That bolt should just screw in by hand and then tighten to spec.
Everything on the kingpin assembly should go together without any force.
If you want to discuss this call me at 513 267-3706.
Where are you located in Ohio? I'm in Middletown, 45042.
Good luck.Comment
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Re: 1954 kingpin help
Frank, Did you save the original lock bolts and did you measure them? Where did you get the repro kit?
I had the same problem with a repro kingpin set. The diameter of the repro lock bolts is too large and wouldn't fit in the hole even without the kingpin installed. I measured repro vs original and there was a substantial difference. Another case of poor quality reproduction parts.
I had to use the original bolts.
RichComment
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Re: 1954 kingpin help
Bruce- Thats the bolt I am talking about.I am in N.Y. on long island. I am going to try and move the king pin around while trying to slide the bolt in and see if that works. Thanks again,Comment
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Re: 1954 kingpin help
Rich- I got this project in pieces and there werent any two parts together so I have been researching as much as I can about how everything goes together. There was a box that had the kingpin set in it. I just got a new set of locking bolts from Mary Jo at vette gal,so I will see if moving the kingpin around while pushing the bolt thru will work. ThanksComment
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Re: 1954 kingpin help
Rich beat me to this comment, but I will second it.
When I redid the front end on my 60, I tried to use the bolts that came with the kingpin kit. They didn't want to go in, even with some ball peen persuasion (sounds like a song title...). I measured the new ones against the originals and they were several thousands bigger in diameter and the taper didn't appear correct. My originals were in good shape so I just reused them.
Tom1958, 283/245, White/red - Top Flight, October 2016
1960, Black/black, 283/230 4sp
1966, Black/Red, 327/350 4sp w/AC
1967, 427/390, 4sp, Goodwood Green, Coupe
1971 LS5, 4sp, coupe, Bridgehampton Blue
2007 Z06, Lemans Blue
Newsletter Editor, Delaware Valley ChapterComment
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Re: 1954 kingpin help
Frank,
As I stated the bolt if correct will screw in by hand.
Hitting with a hammer will screw up the threaded hole and render the spindle useless.
So make sure the threads are correct and if correct they will easily screw inComment
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Re: 1954 kingpin help
Help educate me a bit on these solid axle cars. On my 60, the kingpin was held in place not by a bolt, but by a pin that was threaded on one end. This pin had a tapered flat along one side of the length that would engage the respective flat on the king pin. Since there were no threads along the length of this "pin". it dropped into the hole and a few taps with a hammer would seat it. The nut and lock washer on the other side are just there to retain the pin in place.
Are the 54 front ends different and actually use a bolt that gets threaded into the spindle?
IMGP6688.jpg1958, 283/245, White/red - Top Flight, October 2016
1960, Black/black, 283/230 4sp
1966, Black/Red, 327/350 4sp w/AC
1967, 427/390, 4sp, Goodwood Green, Coupe
1971 LS5, 4sp, coupe, Bridgehampton Blue
2007 Z06, Lemans Blue
Newsletter Editor, Delaware Valley ChapterComment
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Re: 1954 kingpin help
Thomas,
Yes that's it........and I should have called it a "lock pin". I just looked it up in the online parts book and that's what it's called.
"NOTE 1 KIT INCLUDES 2 KING PINS 2 LOCK PINS 4 KNUCKLE BUSHINGS 4 KNUCKLE PLUGS 2 THRUST BEARINGS 4 THRUST BEARING SHIMS ALSO PLUG COVERS AND LOCK RINGS"
RichComment
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