LaSalle kingpin bushing clearance

[Jim Stamper]

     Help
     Does anyone know the recommended kingpin bushing clearance for the 1939 LaSalle?  The same probably for other series too I would imagine. I do not find it in the shop manual. Thanks;   Jim Stamper CLC#13470

[phildeville@cox.net]

Jim,
You're looking for a "slip fit - NO rock" condition between the pin & bushing.  The bushings are supplied undersize with an allowance for hand reaming.  From my years in the shop, reaming is difficult for even experienced craftsman, so take the parts to an automotive machine shop to press & hone them.

Phil Terry

[Jim Stamper]

     Hi Phil;

     I did take them to a shop. He didn't know for sure what clearance to use. He thought about .002" does that sound about right?
                                   Jim Stamper CLC#13470

[phildeville@cox.net]

I'd shoot for .001, but .002 is reasonable.  Should be fairly easy to measure w/ a "Sunnen" benchtop gauge.  More difficult to measure w/ a dialbore due to the lube grooves / holes.

Phil

[Jim Stamper]

     Thanks Phil;

     I have them back already, less than 24 hours. He said they went for about .0015" so it sounds like all is well.

     I once made new bronze bushings for my 1914 Chalmers. My reamer's blades aren't long enough so I made a tapered collar to fit over the reamer shank and taper into the bushing, holding the shank straight to the axis. And reversing to do the other bushing. It worked very well, certainly not up to modern standards, but I doubt I was off by much for 1914. Anyway, it worked good, but was extra work and I thought I would try this new shop out. $55 and it was done. Does the $55 sound about right?
                                                                      Jim Stamper CLC#13470

[phildeville@cox.net]

$55 sounds like a very reasonable price to me too.

Phil