>From: Philip Hubbard <phubbard@carroll.com>
>Hello listers,
>
>Just in case there is a bent a-arm causing my drift left, I'd like to pose
>a question. If I buy a new a-arm, what else do I need? When do I have to
>have a shop press and ream the new bushings? Something to do with the
>kingpin, right?
>
Well, if your lower outer fulcrum pin is near new, and your bushes inner
bushes are near new and you've had a new kingpin kit fitted in the recent
past, then nothing.
If, however, these are of unkenown heritage, replace them (and the upper
bushes too).
If you use a 2nd hand a-arm as a replacement, then check *carefully*
the outer lower of the a-arm where the fulcrum pin screws in. This can
wear badly, or the braze can be loose. They can be reconditioned for
a reasonable cost.
>So, can I use my old kingpin on the new a-arm or am I much better off
>buying a new kingpin as well? Would a call to Motorhead asking for a price
>for them to do the kingpin to a-arm assembly be a wise move for someone not
>all that experienced?
The king-pin/stub-axle assembly is basically independent of the a-arm. They
are connected via the fulcrum pin which you should replace unless it is
recent.
The king-pin kit comes with bushes that must be pressed into the stub-axle
upright, then reamed to suit the king-pin.
If this hasn't been done in a long time, then I'd be replacing anyhow.
If you are on a tight budget and want to check exactly what you *must* do,
then follow the diagnostics at
http://yallara.cs.rmit.edu.au/~mg/cars/goblins/tech/frontend.htm
>
>I actually have a spare a-arm with kingpin attached that I picked up when I
>thought I'd never get the old bushings out. I plan on taking that to the
>repair shop as well and see if I can get an expert opinion on whether it is
>in good enough shape to use instead of a new one.
>
As I mentioned earlier, just check for externally obvious damage and any
signs of wear of the threaded insert at the narrow end of the arm.
>Thanks for any responses for this hypothetical question. Saturday I should
>have a better idea whether my problem is a-arm, bent body or something
else.
>
>Philip
>1974 Damask Midget - Arioch, Lord of Chaos
>
Mike
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