53-62 Kingpin bushings are supposed to be floating

[Tom P.]

Does anyone remember a the article which Dale Pearman wrote several years ago about his bad experience with kingpin/bushing replacement (anyone know what issue) while he was out of town? He had some mechanic (I think at a dealership) replace them and the guy used a hammer and chisel to to knurl the bores of the spindles so that the bushings would be a tight fit. Dale tried unsuccessfully to convince the guy that they were supposed to be full floating. He had to repair the damage after he got home.
Well, I'm rebuilding a customer's 57 front cross member/suspension, and low and behold, I discovered the same situation on these spindles!!!!!!!!
Does everyone here know that the bushings for 53-62 kingpins are supposed to be FULL FLOATING? WATCH OUT, THERE IS PROBABLY MORE OF THESE IDIOTS OUT THERE who dont't know how to properly repair these cars! Fortunately, I was able to hone the spindle bores very nicely and the bushings are a nice slip fit now!

[Donald L.]

Re: Vol 20 #2 Fall 1993 *NM*

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 53-62 Kingpin bushings are supposed to be floa

Float, yes. But I've seen more than one that was so worn the bushing would fall right out of the spindle. They're not supossed to wobble around in the spindle, either. These need to be bored and bushed to proper tolerance.

[Christopher R.]

Re: 53-62 Kingpin bushings are supposed to be floa

How is that done?