King pins ??

[Donny_L]

Can someone help me understand the function of the king pins and how they work. My61 ah3000 starts shaking really bad when I get up to speed (65+mph). I was told it could be my kingpins. What do you think/

 

[jsfbond]

Long before ball joints, there were these....

New bushings, and pins will relieve any binding/high speed wobble from this set up.

 

[tahoe healey]

I would check a lot of other things first. Wheel balance and wheel true. U-joint and drive shaft if it has been removed at any time (can be put back together out of line). Brake drums being mfg off center has been a common problem. Bushes on anti-sway bar and front suspension. Rear leaf springs. All are easy fixes except the drums which have to be done by a pro. This problem is called scuttle shake. Check the achieves. This has been a common post.
Others will have some ideas too. But don't always assume its coming from the front with these cars.

 

[Johnny]

Denny, as mentioned lots of things can cause "shimmy". I'd start with the obvious easy things first, like tightening the wheels, I know sounds to easy, but they do work loose.

Kingpins can be checked by jacking up the car in the front. Grasping the wheel with one hand on top and other on the bottom and try pushing in and out, there should be very minimal play.

Get a hold of the shop manual and read about "trouble shooting" suspension.

Good luck, let us know what you find, okay?

 

[roscoe]

When was the last time you checked the fluid level in your shock absorbers? They can cause a very bad shimmy and it is easy to check.