King Pin Replacement

ratlee2 · March 26

It is about time to service the kingpins on my 53 Hornet. I have done several ball joints on solid axles and strut suspensions, but never king pins. I found several videos of other makes that are helpful but nothing specific to Hudson suspensions. Looking through the service manual, it gives instructions for complete suspension disassembly and separating the spindle from the car, but looking at the design of the vehicle, it looks like it would be easy enough without removing the spindle from the control arms or removing the coil springs. From what I have read the bushings don't require reaming and seems like the upper cup and lower bushing could be pressed in using a c-clamp ball joint press. Can anyone offer tips on replacement?

Thanks,

Rich

Geoff · March 27

Correct, you don't have to dismantle the suspension to replace the king pins.

ratlee2 · April 1

Thanks Geoff. That makes sense. Ordered a kit and will give it a go.

ratlee2 · April 3

While my parts are waiting to arrive, I have 2 more questions. Where do the o-rings go that I have arrowed in the picture and it looks like it comes with 2 sets of woodruff keys. Are only 1 set used for locating the pins and the second set is for a different application, like maybe 38-39 car?

ratlee2 · April 10

The o-rings made sense once I disassembled the spindle. I had to press in the lower bushing using a 4" long 3/8 bolt and a stack of washers and it went in pretty easy. The upper bushing pressed in easily using the rented ball joint press and a larger impact socket over the spindle opening. What I thought were 2 sets of woodruff keys was incorrect. The flat strips of metal on the lower left of the picture are a soft lead shim stock. Not sure where those would get used at as the spindle assembles pretty easily without play. Anyone know where the shims would go?

King Pin Replacement

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