4500# front axle questions.

[Philip]

I am in the process of rebuilding my front axle. Waiting on parts right now. I was given the wrong ones. gggrrrr.



This axle has the bearing/stud type lower ball joint. So how is the upper king pin held in. Is it threaded or a press fit? The reason I ask on threaded. I see what looks like about a 7/8's" allen socket made into the top of the pin.



On the plastic bearing for the top king pin. Has anyone made and tried any brass bearings instead of plastic? I don't like the thought of plastic in the area.



I have a manual on order but it hasn't made it in yet.



The poor old thing looks bad right now.

 

[nascar mark]

Hi Philip,



King pin is threaded. Special tool for install/removal #D-192 and install torque is 500-600ftlb's. Install new seal over king pin.



mark

 

[Philip]

Do you have a good part number? Will Dodge know what tool I need by that number alone. Or does someone have a snap on #

 

[nascar mark]

That is the part # from the manual. Stealer is $$$ but I bet snap your wallet will be more $$$$



mark

 

[Philip]

I have never bought a tool from Dodge before. This is a first. LOL



I'll just call and have it added to the order. It can't run as much as the upper Pins cost. Wow they are proud of them.

 

[Philip]

Update on the tool D-192 it is not avaible anymore. Miller tool company seems to think it is a 7/8" allen like I was thinking also. I'll have a allen later on tonight to try and make sure.

 

[AMikonis]

Are your kingpins really that bad? The plastic bushing is supposed to wear out so the kingpin doesn't. I did them on my old truck with 200K on it and the kingpins were like new. Replacing the plastic bushings pulled the alignment back to right on. It was a well-abused old farm truck, I don't think it was ever on pavement until I got it. At least the previous owner kept it greased. Good luck!



Andy

 

[Philip]

The drive side is showing a flat spot on the engine side of the pin. That bushing came out in two pieces to.



The passenger side doesn't look to bad. But if I am going to do one side. I'll do both then.



I am still thinking of getting with a friend of mine that has his own tool shop and see if he can make a set out of brass. I do not like plastic for this type of connection.



Moog tried this many years ago with replacement king pins for straight axles. The life expentency was around 2 to 3 months on a king pin job with plastic bushings. Brass was good for years.

 

[Case500D]

My truck looks likes yours

Hi Philip,



This doesn't answer your question, but it will make you feel better. My truck has the rear end on blocks and it has been there for two days now. I am doing the rear disc brake conversion. Between work and waiting on parts it probably won't get finished until Saturday. Too bad I didn't have a picture to post Good luck. Make sure to get the right tools as I might have to rent them off you in the future when my truck dies.



Jeremy

 

[Philip]

Hi Jeremy



I'm just cleaning up everything and getting ready for when all the parts do show up. The only tool I didn't have was the 7/8" allen. I go up to 3/4" wouldn't you know it. Just the way my luck goes.



If you need a tubing bender or flaring tool let me know.