Steering: King pin removal question?

[63 R2 Hawk]

So I started in on replacing my king pin bushings, they are not as bad as I first thought but I'd rather do them now than wait until the king pin wears too much. Do I need a spreader to remove the upper pin? The manual is not clear about this, just says to remove the pin & bushings. Also, does anybody have the bushing press tools they'd like to sell or rent? I can make something, but if someone has them I'd rather not make them.

[tbirdtbird]

you can often use sockets to remove/install bushings

[JoeHall]

you can often use sockets to remove/install bushings

I use a dull air chisel to remove, and a socket & baby sledge to install them.

[63 R2 Hawk]

Thanks for the input. Got plenty of sockets to choose from so that'll work. My first question was regarding the upper outer pin & bushings at the top of the king pin, the manual just says to remove it but doesn't say how.

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

If you're not replacing the king pin itself you don't even have to disconnect it at the upper end.

[(S)]

It is very important to take notes, measure, and use tools so you do not bend the a arms and stuff while re- installing items like the upper pins. I have the tools If you need them. hotwheels63r2@hotmail.com I have notes and pics from several good, bad, and ugly king pin and suspension jobs I have seen/ done. The trick is not to guess, do it right the first time. We have done a few and have a bitch'n set of tools.


My old shop teacher said , " the first fifty are the hardest" I wonder who has done that many 'round here. ?

[63 R2 Hawk]

If you're not replacing the king pin itself you don't even have to disconnect it at the upper end.

I was hoping to be able to do that, but the rubber seals on the upper & lower pins are gone, so I'm going to have to pull them whether I want to or not, unless someone knows a trick way to sneak them in-or can convince me I don't need them. : ( I am considering getting some new ones, cutting them and zip tying them in place...).

[52hawk]

Forget the zip ties,they won't stay. Borrow the tools from {S} order the complete kit,and do the whole job.You'll be much better off in the long run.. Do you have a shop manual? You need a spreader when you install the upper OUTER pins,and this is really NOT a job to do without a manual!

OOPS! Just reread and see you do have a manual.