Rebuilding my frontend

So I got my front end apart and I managed to get the kingpin bushings installed. However, the new kingpin doesn't seem to fit in the bushings. Do I need to reem the bushings or do I just beat it in with a hammer? The car is a 1950 Plymouth.

John

 

well my buddy just had a similar issue with his 36 chevy, he ended up just taking it to the local machine shop and they ***embled it for cheap. but i know you do have to hone out those br*** bushings in order for it to work.

 

wait. you are talking about a straight axle and not IFS right? b/c king pins are for straight axle but 50 plymouth had IFS stock?

 

It really depends on how far they are from size. You need to measure them with a caliper or micrometer and then ream or hone them to a few thousandths over size.

 

You actually ream them, as honing would leave bits of abrasive embedded in the bushing material.

Most any machine shop should have a range of adjustable reamers.

 

Yes. You have to ream them.