1997 GMC Truck KINGPIN REMOVAL

Tiny
MTRDUDE
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 GMC TRUCK
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 502,000 MILES
This truck has a independent, I-beam front axle. I am replacing the kingpins and all steering linkage on it. I removed all the linkage, calipers & rotors to access the spindle. The drivers/left kingpin came off relatively easy, just had to use a little heat. On the left/passenger side I took the nut off the tapered anchor bolt that goes through & secures the kingpin to the axle. I then attempted to punch the anchor bolt back to remove it but it was seized up. The threads that stuck out the front were bending so I cut them off with a sawzall flush at the opening of the hole. I then continued to try removing the bolt with a punch the diameter of the bolt but it wouldn't move backwards out of the hole. I then put a porta-power on the read of the axle to keep it from flexing backwards while I punched from the front but it didn't move at all. I then put the porta-power on the front & attempted to press the pin backwards but no movement at all. I then heated the axle AROUND the bolt hole, front and rear, and tried again but no movement. I attempted to "blow a hole" through the bolt with a torch and was able to take approximately 1/4" inward off the rear of the bolt and approx. 1/2" off the front of the bolt but my torch wouldn't take it in any deeper. I then mounted the porta-power on the rear & kept pressure pushing forward on the axle while I used a sledge hammer & a good punch but no movement at all. I've done 20-30 kingpin jobs in my career but this is the first time I've ever seen the anchor bolt seize and not come out. I"ve been working on this for over a day and have to get it out Thursday; would appreciate any help or suggestions you can give me as soon as possible, thanks.
Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 AT 5:32 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
Damn. It's thursday, so I might be too late with my suggestion.

Drill through the center of the bolt.
Slowly working your way up in bit sizes.
In the hopes that once enough of the center of the bolt is gone. That the sides will compress enough to let go of their hold.

Sounds like you're loosing your butt on this one.

Good luck
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Thursday, December 18th, 2008 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
MTRDUDE
  • MEMBER
  • 51 POSTS
LOL, you're right on the losing part! I finally had to leave the anchor bolt alone and concentrate on the kingpin. Got enough heat on it and drove the kingpin straight thru the anchor bolt after about 2 hours of beating down and bottle jacking up; man, what a job! I had tried drilling thru the anchor bolt first and the bits kept shearing off. Got the kingpin out Thursday, now gotta get the rest of the anchor bolt out.
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Friday, December 19th, 2008 AT 3:11 AM
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
I wanna know how you finally get it out.
When and if.
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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 1:35 AM
Tiny
WILLISAA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
If you run into this prob s&w innovations makes a tool that removes draw wedge. 405-219-9411. You use tool before you hammer or cut on wedge. Works great everytime
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Thursday, April 25th, 2013 AT 12:20 PM

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