Kingpin - bushing Clearance

[George Rohrbach]

I am in the process of installing new kingpins in my '35 Commander. Does anyone know what the specs are for the clearance between the kingpins and bushings? I need to know to ream the bushings.There is nothing listed in my Studebaker books. My guess is that it used to be one of those things that people "just knew". By the way, these are the type that are oiled, not greased.

Thanks,

[1913Moline]

George,

I would recommend reaming so that you can just push the pin through by hand- no more clearance (.0005"). Be careful as you ream them out- it isnt the easiest to keep the two bushings concentric without a bushing reamer which pilots on the other bushing on the spindle. If you are using an adjustable reamer (as I have) it is a bit tricky to keep the alignment.

Good luck.

greg

[ply33]

My 1931 Chilton's manual lists a number of tolerances "for general use <span style="font-style: italic">only</span> when the specific instructions of the manufacturer are not available." For king pins:<blockquote>Measure kin pin clearance in bushing with micrometer calipers and telescoping gage.<table><tr><td>Desirable</td><td>.001-.002</td></tr><tr><td>Serviceable</td><td>.005</td></tr><tr><td>Repair or replace</td><td>.007</td></tr></table></blockquote>

[Paul S]

A good rule of thumb that we use in industrial applications for pins and bushings is .001" of clearance for every 1" of pin diameter.

[George Rohrbach]

Thanks for the help. I decided to ream till I can just push the pin through by hand. I would have tried to go to .0005", but I need to buy a more accurate micrometer. Might be about the same.