Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

I’ve started the pressing & reaming process on new spindles pre kingpin install. In preparing to press bushings & align the grease hole in the bushings with the grease fittings on the spindle forging it appears the grease fittings are +or- .010” centered on the outsides of forgings where the bushing get pressed in. But the bushing grease holes on two of the bushings are significantly off center by .06” to .08”.
Should I drill out the grease holes on those 2 to get more overlap on the grease fitting location? If not & I line up the edges of the bushings with the edges of the forging then 1/3 to 1/2 the grease holes will be off the centerline of the grease fittings not allowing as much grease flow.

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

The set I installed two weeks ago also had 2 that were off by a bit. Like about 1/2 covered. I decided not to redrill and mess uo the pipe thread. I considered the size of the hole in the grease fitting and with the ball in the way as well. I left them as is. I found no difference whatsoever in pumping them full of grease. If I had noticed before pressing them in I might have gone after the bushing with a small chainsaw file.

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

Thx GB, I thought it might be over thinking it!

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

MUCH-MORE importantly, you need to note GB's "Wooden Mixin'-Spoon" method of reaming those new bushings in perfect alignment with each other, simultaneously! DD


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...1&d=1496897170


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...2&d=1496897188

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

DD, I saw that in my previous thread on getting a bit more familiar with the whole process. One of the FB guys was nice enough to loan me an .814 line reamer I plan to use.
Just discovered another issue, in that last thread it was suggested the press fits on bushings to forged spindle assy was a fairly easy press fit. Just mic’d it & it’s what I’d consider a very tight press fit. Almost .002 interference. If consensus was it’s an easy press these aren’t?
Suggestions? I’m thinking maybe I need GB’s wooden spoon handle for the holes before trying to press the bushings in. .002” press is what we used to call a “maniac fit” :eek:

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

Mine never press in (or out) easily. I have a large wilton bench vise and I always need a cheater pipe on the handle to press them in. I sometimes think they are going to get stuck half way in, but never yet.

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

GB, do you grease the bushings before you press them?

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

word of warning when pressing bushes in press down from the centre ie use a suitable bush dolly and drift thru the other end this will stop the stop the stub collapsing if the bush goes tight other wise cut a hardwood block and fit between the eyes to support the eyes

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

So consensus is, go with the .002 interference press fit?:eek:

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

I'm a cabinetmaker. We don't work with those numbers, but mine have always gone in, and I have been using some grease in the installation. Main thing is you start off square. I have always clamped and unclamped numerous times and will not put the 'full press' of the wilton vise until I am sure I'm not going in at some kind of angle.

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

Yes. oops wrong post
Bill

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

Yes and no grease.
Bill

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

Has anyone tried to chill the KP bushings in the freezer & leaving the spindle forging at room temp or a bit warmer just before pressing as they seem such a tight fit? Should make them press a bit easier?

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

I always polish the king pin bushing holes and then oil the bushings in with my vice, occasionally with an arbor press and I will admit to messing up a few. I also have a set of adjustable reamers that work really good and do have a "wooden spoon" sort of reamer to make them perfect for a push fit for the pin

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

I have the forging in the oven @ 150 & bushings in freezer & will report how it goes.

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

Sounds like you are falling into the internet forum trap of overthinking stuff.

Been knocking out old bushings and driving in new ones for too many years now and never have given it a second thought.

I have always used the driver that goes on the end of the reamer along with a decent sized hammer.

No reason you can't press them in with a vice if you are careful to start square and I believe you will find it takes more force on the handle than you may expect.

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

I probably did overthink it but it’s what me & all my old Tool & Die Maker Machinist pals do,:D! That & this is the first Kingpin spindle exercise! ( Forged :D Spindles @ $150, kingpin set @ $50) didn’t wanna try & fail & turn it to junk:eek:!
Long story short in my mind @ least it worked.

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

Went forward & reamed to .814 with line reamer a local Ford Barner nice enough to loan me & it came out perfect! Checked KP’s from kit @ .812” high side & holes came out @ .814” high side. Nice snug but hand slip fit in spindles. If I have to do again & probably will on my ‘40 pickup I will feel confident doing!
Thx all for the advice, definitely helped!

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

All worked well, I believe heating the spindle, putting a small lead on bushing & oil definitely made it much easier than described. @ .002” interference fit I’m sure without the three things mentioned would’ve been a lot harder & more potential for not fun issues :eek: !
Steps taken;
-Broke edges & polished about a 1/16” of the end of bushing I pushed in to give a lead to insure perpendicular & not cocked entrance.
-put spindle forging in oven & 170 ( as low as Mom’s stove went ) & let heat 2 hr.
-Put bushings outside @ 15 degrees weather.
-1 hr. later took one spindle out with gloves, put copper on vice jaws, put one bushing @ a time in & seated with the vise, probably 50lbs+ of force on vise handle ( used machine oil on bushings ). 1/16” polished lead definitely kept it straight & square to c/l of hole.
-Took other spindle out of Mom’s oven & did all again.
-Reamed with line reamer via adjustable wrench.
____________
Nomad

Re: Press & ream Kingpin bushings.
 

Glad it all worked out for you!