You won't know if it's bush or king pin wear, or both, until you disassemble
(I'm assuming you tested by putting the front A-arms on jackstands and tried to
move the top and bottom of the wheel in and out in the vertical to test for
looseness?).
You can place jackstands securely under the A-arms, lower the front end onto
the jackstands and detach the king pin at the trunnion to the shock arm (use
four jackstands so the entire weight of the front end is on the springs. and
the car is level). Suffice it to say there's a bit of risk; it's safer to drop
the springs but I've done it without losing any sleep. I think--haven't done it
myself--once you've disassembled the top trunnion the swivel axle will just
slide off the king pin (brake calipers, etc. have to come off first). Of
course, if the king pins are worn you'll end up having to drop the springs and
disassembling the bottom trunnion anyway.
Yes, the bushes will have to be pressed-in and reamed, and the grease hole has
to be properly aligned. BCS, and maybe other, closer shops can do this for you.
There was some problems with replacement king pins for a while, but haven't
heard of any lately.
Bob
--------------------------------
Bob Spidell - San Jose, CA
----- Original Message -----
Hi,
My front end feels wobbly on the road, there is noticeable movement in the
lower swivel pin bush both sides. So it seems like I should go for new bushes.
Is it wise to disaassemble the suspension with the floor jack method?
Do the bushes need to be reamed?
Everything, else feels okay; what should I be looking at, or replace as a
matter of course, while it's apart?
Thanks, Alan
'58 100 6
|