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56D500boy

Posted 2022-02-10 9:43 PM (#619264)
Subject: Need Help removing Steering Arm from a 56 Chrysler Spindle

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I am working towards a front disc brake conversion on my 56 Dodge D500 with 12" x 2.5" 56 Chrysler brakes on 56 Chrysler spindles (and uprights). So far I have been playing around with a spare set of 56 Chrysler uprights and spindles to determine how the brake brackets will fit (or not). Some of that is now sorted.

My 56 Dodge D500 does NOT use the 56 Chrysler steering arm in the 56 Chrysler spindle. It uses a 56 Dodge D500 only steering arm. So even if I use my "spare" 56 Chrysler uprights and spindles to have new king pins installed and then swapped into my car, I will have to swap the steering arms.

My steering arm:

Today I decided to attempt to remove the 56 Chrysler steering arm from the "spare" 56 Chrysler spindle. I know that the steering arm is a tapered and key-wayed fit into the spindle. I removed the cotterpin on the 1" steering arm castellated nut and then found that I needed my impact wrench to loosen the nut. But it came off.

Once the nut was off, I turned it around and re-threaded it back on to the steering arm threads. Then I beat on the nut with a rubber mallet. Nothing. Okay. Metal hammer and a metal plate between the nut and the metal hammer. Bang Bang. Nothing.

There must be a trick to this.

What is it?

Bigger Hammer?

Edited by 56D500boy 2022-02-10 9:47 PM

(56ChryslerUprightAndSpindle_RemovingTheSteeringArm-1inchNutOff.jpg)

(56ChryslerUprightAndSpindle_RemovingTheSteeringArm-1inchNut_BackOnBackwards.jpg)

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56ChryslerUprightAndSpindle_RemovingTheSteeringArm-1inchNutOff.jpg (188KB - 143 downloads)
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56ChryslerUprightAndSpindle_RemovingTheSteeringArm-1inchNut_BackOnBackwards.jpg (161KB - 138 downloads)

Powerflite

Posted 2022-02-10 10:39 PM (#619266 - in reply to #619264)
Subject: Re: Need Help removing Steering Arm from a 56 Chrysler Spindle

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There is a notch in the kingpin that allows the steering arm to go through. It could be that the king pin is now turned against the bolt, preventing it from moving very easily. But, usually heat and a big press is the answer you are looking for. Maybe hand it off to the person who is going to rebuild it and tell them that you are going to replace the steering arm, since it is the last thing that gets swapped.

56D500boy

Posted 2022-02-10 11:15 PM (#619268 - in reply to #619266)
Subject: Re: Need Help removing Steering Arm from a 56 Chrysler Spindle

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So these King Pin notches?

Edited by 56D500boy 2022-02-10 11:16 PM

(TRWK342_1.jpg)

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TRWK342_1.jpg (89KB - 132 downloads)

dels56

Posted 2022-02-13 2:06 PM (#619365 - in reply to #619264)
Subject: Re: Need Help removing Steering Arm from a 56 Chrysler Spindle

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Hi Dave,
The above photo is what is in my 56 Custom Royal. Different than your front end. My king pins do have a notch as shown and those little pins are tapered. They are not held in with a not as you show in your photos. I have an air hammer and a couple of taps with that and mine pins popped out. I would think you should find someone with and air hammer or a press, not the big swinging press.

Del S

wizard

Posted 2022-02-13 3:20 PM (#619368 - in reply to #619264)
Subject: Re: Need Help removing Steering Arm from a 56 Chrysler Spindle

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You'll need a hydraulic press for to get the arm out Dave.

56D500boy

Posted 2022-02-17 7:52 PM (#619509 - in reply to #619368)
Subject: Re: Need Help removing Steering Arm from a 56 Chrysler Spindle

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wizard - 2022-02-13 12:20 PM
You'll need a hydraulic press for to get the arm out Dave.

Contacted a friend with a 20 ton hydraulic press the other day. Went over to his garage today. He has experience using the press so I let him try.

I helped set the spindle and steering arm up in the press and both sides were a no go. Not a bit of movement.

He offered heat (like an acetylene torch) but I declined. At least for the moment.

So now what??

56D500boy

Posted 2022-02-23 2:46 AM (#619709 - in reply to #619509)
Subject: Re: Need Help removing Steering Arm from a 56 Chrysler Spindle

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After soaking the area under the nut that holds the steering arm on for 5 days with Mopar Combustion Cleaner, I tried my air hammer with the pointy bit this afternoon.

Nada.

Created a divet in the end of the threaded bit but no movement.

Heat?

Edited by 56D500boy 2022-02-23 2:53 AM

wizard

Posted 2022-02-23 3:42 AM (#619711 - in reply to #619264)
Subject: Re: Need Help removing Steering Arm from a 56 Chrysler Spindle

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Retry with the hydraulic press Dave. Make sure that theres no flex in the press plates - must be thick steel plates and the spindle in full square position.
Apply a high pressure (at least 12 tons) and if no movement - just leave it under pressure

ronbo97

Posted 2022-02-23 11:58 AM (#619723 - in reply to #619711)
Subject: Re: Need Help removing Steering Arm from a 56 Chrysler Spindle

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Before you destroy something, time to take a step back and figure out what you are not seeing. I had no trouble separating the king pins on my 55 Desoto. IIRC, there is a pin that needs to be driven out. Then everything disassembles. I'm at work right now, so I can't pull up the photos. But, my advice is to STOP what you are doing and re-examine the exploded diagrams. Also go through the shop manual to review disassembly. Maybe the Desoto manual will have a better explanation ?

Ron

56D500boy

Posted 2022-02-23 4:27 PM (#619735 - in reply to #619723)
Subject: Re: Need Help removing Steering Arm from a 56 Chrysler Spindle

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Thanks for the words of CAUTION Ron. You might have missed it but I am not trying to remove the king pin from the upright and/or spindle. I am trying to remove the steering knuckle arm from the steering knuckle/spindle.

1956 Chrysler and Desoto is entirely different than 1955 Chrysler/Desoto. In 1955, the steering arm was bolted to the knuckle/spindle (with two quite large bolts). In 1956, the steering arm was inserted INTO the steering knuckle/spindle.

I have looked in all of 56 Chrysler shop manuals that I have or have access to and they DO NOT mention anything about removing the steering arm. I don't think it has anything to do with the king pin other than that groove in the king pin probably means the the steering arm does have to come out before the king pin can be pressed out. Just no info on how to do that (that I have found).

Here are some photos from AAJ regarding a disc brake conversion bracket on a 55 Chrysler. Much different than 1956 Chrysler.

And yes, I know/knew about that tapered pin that is often used hold the king pin in place (vertically). It shows in these 55 Chrysler photos:

Edited by 56D500boy 2022-02-23 5:37 PM