How to Shim a loose kingpin to remove slop.

[keef]

Ever wanted to remove that freeplay in your truck, that slop from side to side that you get in the straight position? Some trucks are worse than others. My Bear 1052s were the worst, where as my Randals and Chargers are perfect straight out of the box. I mentioned a 'how to' for this a while back, and at least one person said was a good idea. It's not rocket science.

YouTube - Truck shiming

1. You'll need a STEEL drink can, scissors, knife, grease, sockets and a ratchet.
2. Check the can is steel with a nice smiley magnet. If it sticks, it's steel. Aluminium is too soft for this. Drink the coke or save it in a glass for later. Wash out can.
3. Cut a section of can out using the knife and scissors (carefully), and measure how much is needed by wrapping it between half and three quarters around the kingpin. If there is loads of play between the KP and baseplate aim for three quarters.
4. Then measure the length of the hole in the baseplate and cut the section of can accordingly. If anything cut the can a little smaller than this length, but not longer as you don't want a sharp edge of can cutting into your bushing.
5. Remember which way is length and width with your newly cut shim, and wrap it correctly around the KP to give it some curve.
6. Place it into the baseplate, so that the Shim is on the side of the hole nearest the pivot cup.
7. A little grease on the KP, just a smear. This helps the KP slide through past the shim without pushing it out.
8. It should push in by hand most of the way, if it doesn't use a slightly smaller piece of can, DON'T FORCE IT.
9. The last little bit should be a tight fit, after all that's what we're aiming for. Use a socket as a spacer with the washers and the nut to wind it in.
10. Remove the washers and socket, check that it's tight and straight. If you didn't get the shim in in line with the pivot cup, then there's a chance that the KP will be off at an angle which means the hanger will be all screwy to the left or right when you put it together.
If the KP is still loose, try again with a slightly bigger shim.

If done correctly, this will last indefinately. My Bear trucks are still fine 8 months or so after I shimmed them with no play whatsoever.

This won't work with Smokeys or probably other CNC trucks as for one there shouldn't be anyplay in the first place and secondly, if there is, the gap between KP and baseplate will be too small to get a shim in there.

Randals I use with the KP the other way around, and the baseplate has a frim hold on the nut, and my Smokeys I have just set the nut into the baseplate with epoxy resin. How to for that if anyone wants it.

I hope maybe at least one peron finds this useful......................................

[transitioned]

Nice. Made a thread addressing this issue. Major slop in Crails...well I wouldn't even call it slop as the KP moves and slides freely out of baseplates. This should fix it. Thanks for the video! +rep

[TIMORNE]

You'll want to use ship stock.Any machine shop will have some,show them your baseplate w/kingpin.For a few bucks they'll cut you a piece & show you how to use it.
Or
I have some in various thickness.Do you know what you'll need in thousands.I could send you some.
With some calipers you measure the ID of the king pin hole,then measure the king pin itself about 1/2" below the head.Take the difference and divide that by two,that will be the thickness you'll need to shim

[Jrucker2]

wow thanks! I thought about doing this exact thing!

Steel cans?! where do you find those!?

[Death By Snu Snu.]

Nice. Made a thread addressing this issue. Major slop in Crails...well I wouldn't even call it slop as the KP moves and slides freely out of baseplates. This should fix it. Thanks for the video! +rep

Pfft I thought this **** was normal. All my trucks do this. I felt like it never had any effect on the ride.


Is this really a big deal?