aa-fords.com

Hi,

I cannot find the spec for how much play is acceptable for the front wheel spindle to move up and down on the king pin.

I have about 0.007” spindle play. Is that within spec or do I need a shim?

Thanks
Dave

I would think that is OK.

I don’t know what specific tolerance is, but I always just tried to get them as tight as I could by putting upward pressure on bottom of spindle while inserting shims.

Hi,

Not sure if anyone else has had to replace their king pin thrust bearings (AA-3123), but I initially had a hard time finding them. There is no currently made replacement that I could find.

I was able to get a very good original Ford pair, and I also bought a set made in Germany (eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-A-1928-48 ... SwoZlb0ssL).

The Germany made bearing is about 0.0005" thicker so I used them instead of the original Ford bearing which took up the vertical play of the spindle and obviated the need for a shim.

Dave

I went through the same ordeal with thrust bearings. My AA has a bent front axle and worn out spindle bushings. I found a spare axle with little spindle wear but thrust bearings were frozen with petrified grease. After multiple soakings in kerosene and acetone, then light oil: I actually believe they are usable. I did recently find a complete new old replacement stock set of king pins etc.,. with thrust bearings. Bearings had just a little exterior rust from long term storage. Here is another option. Grainger has a thrust bearing available that looks like the correct dimensions but I haven’t tried it. Grainger part #4ZZR3.