Best method for removing Tracker kingpins?

[Paipo Jim]

I though I saw something on the 'fish about removal techniques for Tracker kingpins but I can't find it again. The last time I removed the kingpins from a set of Trackers I held down the baseplate with one hand and used a hand sledge in the other and it was pretty ugly.

Anyone have any particular tricks for getting the stock kingpins out more easily? I was thinking of heating the plates in an oven first or maybe putting them in the freezer? I'm not sure about the relative expansion properties of steel vs. aluminum.

[Slim]

I just squirt a few times with PB Blaster and then place it on something that will support the baseplate but let the kingpin go out the bottom and hit it with a hammer. I'm pretty small (150lbs.) but they always come right out. Sometimes they get a little tweaked on the top but I'm usually removing them to replace with different ones anyway so I don't care if the threads get damaged.

[Paipo Jim]

I just squirt a few times with PB Blaster and then place it on something that will support the baseplate but let the kingpin go out the bottom and hit it with a hammer.

Thanks for the tip. I didn't have any PB Blaster handy so I popped them in the oven for 30 minutes @ 350 F. They came out with a light tap.

[Slim]

Good idea! I work on vintage cars and often come across bolts that haven't been moved in decades. Heat is always my plan B: ifthe pb blaster doesn't work, out comes my torch.

[Mile_High_Mark]

Remember, tools repair things, hammers fix them.

[Geezer-X]

PB blaster is fine stuff, but is not needed for this application.

Where most get this wrong is the "equal and opposite reaction" bit.

You need something really solid to put the truck on, the bigger the hammer the better, and be resolute in your application of force.

I rest the baseplate atop my 5" machinists vise with the jaws about an inch apart. Using a 3 pound hammer, one single blow to the kingpin and it's out, every single time.

I insert the kingpin from the bottom, close the vise jaws to just over 3/8", and support the baseplate so the bushing seat is resting on the jaws. I use a drift made from an 8" length of 1/2 steel rod and the aforemention 3# hammer to drive the new kingpin back in.

I can do 5 pairs of hangers in the time it took to write this.

[Momona Boe]

gee Eric, you make it all sound so...................................sexy

[gorillabiscuits]

Gotta try this with my Venture trucks which I destroyed the kingpin doing the same thing.

[Xgecko]

hammer good, sledgehammer better....more weight less force needed....same principle as a freight train hitting a Yugo at a crossing. I have a workbench with a big hole in the middle I put the baseplate over the hole tap a few times with a 5lbs sledge and ding ding the kingpin hits the floor