to fix or not to fix?

[41/53dodges]

okay, while struggling as i have been for the last couple weeks to remove my drag link,(that thing was put in there by magilla gorilla or something!) i noticed that my front spindle will kinda pull up and out if i pull on the bottom, which would tell me my kingpins are worn. currently i need to do something for the drag link, the joints are about ready to fall out of that, but should i really consider rebuilding the spindles? just how much of a difference would it make? any input is helpful.

[HanksB3B]

I like a professional alignment shop to look at. I've had enough incidents with modified shopping carts at age 14 to make me realize I don't want to be behind the wheel of one that weighs over 2 tons.

Hank

[Phil Martin]

New kingpins will make a huge difference in driving if they are loose now.

[Merle Coggins]

You need the proper type of tie rod removal tool to get your drag link off. I've never had good luck with the pickle fork type. I like the press type like this;

or this;

I've got a set that includes the 2 above. I'd gladly lend them to you if you need them.

I'd also replace the king pins if there is a lot of play in them. You'll be all over the road if everything is that loose. It's not a hard job. Parts are available. Just be sure to get the proper pin set for your axle. There was a thread on that particular topic earlier this year. See http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=19767&highlight=king

I found that the machine shop at my local Napa store in Menomonee Falls could ream the bushings for me. It was all pretty reasonable.

Merle

[41/53dodges]

thanks for the offer, merle, but i did get the link off. i had borrowed a special puller set from my mechanic friend and took care of it. somebody really did go nuts on these things, they took pretty much all the force i could give em' by hand before they popped free.

[MBF]

Another way to do this is 2 take 2 five pound hammers. Use one to back up the eye of the spindle arm, and the other one on the opposite side of the arm smack it squarely on the eye (not on the housing on the joint you're trying to remove, or the threaded portion). I've personally seen this work on large trucks when a pickle fork failed. Its pops the arm right out of the tapered housing. Sometimes it takes more than one persuasive whack. You need the hammers to be 180 degrees from each other. Bigger truck will require bigger hammers. Mike

[41/53dodges]

i had my BFH and a 3 pound sledge, they still did not budge.

p.s.

the BFH is a 14 pound sledge hammer for knocking out pistons!