Front end parts

[Merle Coggins]

I was looking up king pins and other front end parts, for my B2C, on Napaonline this afternoon so that I can redo everything while I'm installing Charlie's disc brake kit. I want to tighten up the front end while I'm in there.

Anyway, here's what I discovered. (some Napa P/N's for anyone's reference)

King Pin sets;

Napa P/N 2621231 for up to Serial # 83351873 (list price $116.06)

Napa P/N 2621378 for Serial # 8331874 and up (list price $75.73)

These serial number breaks match what's in my parts manual. (P/N 933436 up through S/N 83351873 and P/N 1321261 for S/N's after 83351873)

I also looked at tie rod ends. The Mopar P/N's are 1311175 and 1311176. The ~175 number crosses to a 2692007 number, but the ~176 number doesn't cross. I found that P/N 2692008 matches all the same specs except for a left hand/right hand thread difference. This makes me believe these would be the correct tie rod ends, but after talking with my Napa guy I decided to wait on ordering these until I have my tie rod out and can verify the dimensions.

Then on a whim I put the drag link part number (1195802) into the interchange field and up popped P/N 25594 for $368.33. I don't believe I need one at this point but it's interesting to know that it's out there.

[Reg Evans]

Good info Merle. Say........at $368 is that drag link gold plated ?

[John-T-53]

Are king pin sets different between 1/2 and 3/4 ton chassis or the same? If so, I'm curious to see if P/N 1321261 (for S/N's after 83351873) would fit a B4B.

[oldmopar]

I have been doing some research on front end parts also.

Now using Rockauto for my 48 B1D came up with raybestos 4011003 which shows napa 26292007 and raybestos 4011004 comes up as napa 26292008

Also my Parts manual 48-51 shows the same part #s 1311175 left and 1311176 right for BCD Trucks

Now to dig a little deeper I have also found that at least up 1959 the parts seem to be are the same I had checked some tire rods for my 59 dodge w200 and using rockauto came up with

a Moog part # ES158R putting that into the NAPA online search engine one of the choices is your 2692008

Using ES158L brings up 2692008

I started all this on a kingpin serach and also came up with the NAPA 2621231 form my truck .

I picked up a drag link on ebay for $100 about a month ago and I think autozone has them also for a decent price maybe the same one I got on ebay

[Merle Coggins]

Are king pin sets different between 1/2 and 3/4 ton chassis or the same? If so, I'm curious to see if P/N 1321261 (for S/N's after 83351873) would fit a B4B.

My parts manual shows B, C, & D models use the same king pin sets. 1 and 2 series through S/N listed use the first part number. Series 2, 3, & 4 after the serial number change use the other part number.

It also shows the tie rod ends and drag link are the same for all generations of B, C, & D model trucks

Merle

[John-T-53]

Thanks Merle for that info. I have the numbers jotted down in my Dodge folder for future reference. I'll need to do what you're doing now, sooner than later.

[Bob_Koch]

This is confusing to me. My Napaonline shows me 2621416 as correct with a price of $58.99. Any ideas as to why so many numbers?

[Merle Coggins]

Look carefully Bob. Some of the kits that were listed for my truck were noted for 3500 lb, 3800 lb, and 4500 lb axles. These are obviously wrong as the 1/2 ton - 1 ton trucks have 2500 lb or 2800 lb axles. Also, some kits have nylon bushings, and some have thrust washer bearings instead of ball bearings. These are also cheaper, but also not what you want if you want it done right. (in my opinion)

Merle

[John-T-53]

Two years later, I forgot about the NAPA king pin kit and ordered one from Robert's. The packaging was suspicuous as it was unmarked, had rusty staples in the box and overall looked chicom made.

I had the new bushing pressed into the spindles and honed out for .001" clearance.

I attempted installing one spindle today on the axle, but it's a bust. I'm disappointed with the quality of parts and fit. The king pins are made of steel a lot softer than the original. The bearings seem cheaply made and are too tall - one side doesn't even go on. The disc seal plugs are too small. The pin deformed a bit when pounding in with a brass drift. Now it's stuck and the spindle is binding.

Now looking for another kit.

Anybody know if the NAPA king pin kit is USA-made and have an opinion as to the quality? Are there NOS kits available?

Thanks,

Edited August 12, 2012 by John-T-53

[Merle Coggins]

I used the Napa kit and was very pleased. They list several for our trucks. Be sure you get the one with metal bushings and a thrust bearing. They offer some with nylon bushings and thrust washers. Also, check the pin diameter. There are a couple of sizes depending on when your truck was built. (serial number break)

Also, you shouldn't have to use a hammer to install the pins. Test fit the pin into the spindle alone, and the axle alone first to be sure it slides through with very little drag. Once everything is clean and proper, you should be able to press the pin through with your thumb. Put the bottom plug into the spindle first, then assemble the spindle onto the axle with the thrust bearing and any shims needed to remove any play. Then slide the pin down in until the flat spot aligns with the keeper bolt. Install the keeper bolt, tighten it down and lock it. Then install the upper plug and give it a good greasing.

Merle

Edited August 12, 2012 by Merle Coggins

[John-T-53]

Merle - thanks for the info. The NAPA p/n checked out at the local store, and they said it was a special order and would take a week. I called Rare Parts in Stockton and they now stock king pin sets for our trucks. One day later, the kit is in hand!

See pics below for comparison. On the left is the import, on the right is from the home team.

This one is very high quality and blows the import kit out of the water. The pins are made by Trayer in NY, and the bearings are stamped "Irwin Bearing Co Cinti. O.". The pins are very hard steel like the original and slip into the axle eyes with ease. Now just have to re-do the bushings in the spindles and we'll be in business.

As has been said before on this site, Rare Parts sells only high quality, USA-made parts, and they have Drag links, Tie rod ends, spring shackles, shocks, and king pins for our trucks. They make many of their parts in-house, often with improved design and matl's from OEM. Highly recommended!