Preload of king pin knuckle

[Birddog7]

I have been trying to set the preload on the knuckle to between 12-16 lb. the best I can get 8lb that's with all the shims removed. I torque the bolts to 55-65 ft lbs.. On some of the bolts when I torque the bolt it feels like I am going to strip it out. What the heck am I missing.

[specialty]

Can you grab the knuckle wit no shims and feel play vertically and horizontal? I just did mine not long ago and put a few shims on the top bearing and kept removing until I could just barely feel the free play. I have no idea what your issue could be though unless you have a bearing *.It takes awhile putting them in and taking them out.

[Ryan_M]

Depending on what manual you have 8lbs may be right on the money. Later manuals state 12-16lbs, though, which is usually what I shoot for. I haven't had to do it but per one of the manuals I have you can install a washer under the top bearing cap to increase preload. This will likely result in too much preload initially and you'll need to add a few shims back in.

[Birddog7]

Warning do not torque the king pin bolts over 40 ft.lb.. I ended up were I stripped out one of the bolt holes.� � �Luckily I had another set of later knuckles. I also found out if you have the newer style knuckles with the .058 raised boss. It will also have cast in gussets behind the arm that goes to the tie rod end.