Steering: Interchangeable king pins?

[StrayCatSue]

The king pins in my 62 lark need to be replaced. Is there another vehicle that I can pull them out of rather than having to find specific ones? Bushings too. Thanks

[unclemiltie]

all 1962 -1966 studebaker cars have the same pins as yours. 1961 Lark is also the same. 1953-60 and 61 Hawks used a slightly different set of pins which some have interchanged in pairs. You might just need new bushings if you have not torn them apart yet. Most Studebaker vendors sell the bearing sets. These pins are unique to Studebaker

[rockinhawk]

I once took a Kingpin from a 56 Flight Hawk and installed it in a 63 GT. Also took one from a 63 Cruiser and put it in a 58 Commander. No problems with either one.

[StudeRich]

It is best not to mix '61 & on Lark, '62 & on Hawk (7 Digit Casting#) with the '51 to '60 type (6 digit casting #) since the late ones have more built in caster capability than the early ones.

Did you ever properly allign those cars Neil?

[Skybolt]

I believe they will all interchange but the king pin inclination changed around 1961/62 so you need to swap them in paired years, if you understand my phrasing, but the inclination of the king pins will be different. To put your car back to spec you need the later years of king pins etc.. I am of the understanding also that just the top outer bushing which adjusts the caster and camber and the king pin its self are the parts you will need to be specific about. The other parts are the same spec but might have slight cosmetic differences. Some one else should confirm this from the forum before you take what I say as gospel.

[avantilover]

Hi Jenn, welcome to the forum. Studebaker International list a Major King pin rebuild kit #800331 "Includes rebuilt king pins (2) with new upper and lower sleeves, all bearings, bushings shims & seals for both sides" This is probably the best way to go rather than take from another car. List price is $350 with a refundable core charge (send your old ones to SI) of $150 (invoice must be included with core for refund). Page 250 of the 2010 (latest) SI catalog PH # (317) 462-3124. Best wishes with the Lark.

[rockinhawk]

It is best not to mix '61 & on Lark, '62 & on Hawk (7 Digit Casting#) with the '51 to '60 type (6 digit casting #) since the late ones have more built in caster capability than the early ones.

Did you ever properly allign those cars Neil?

True enough Rich. The GT never did align just right. Always had a camber problem. Never had any trouble with the 58. Need to pass this info on to Jamie McLoud. He ows that car now.