69 Ranger CS Thrust Bearing

[rms337]

Did my intro last night and now for my first post. I have a 69 Camper Special that had a 460 swap in the late 70's, early 80's. I am not sure if any of the original suspension pieces were swapped, but I don't believe so. After removing the spindles and I-beams, I decided to replace the kingpins and thrust bearings. I bought the Moog 8524B kit and have successfully swapped the bushings, but have not completed their final depth. The originals were sunk 5/16 from the inside upper surface of the knuckle to accommodate the little seal that sits there. The bottom bushing I have yet to figure out pending the outcome of this thread. My problem is that I did not verify which way this bearing was sitting when I took it off. I assume the top of the bearing was facing up and the little collar was seated in the lower knuckle. I decided to not drive the lower bushing any further than flush on the lower knuckle until I figure out what bearing I am supposed to have.

The bearing I took out is on the left (Trayer BE-87) and the Moog supplied bearing (Trayer BE-61) is on the right.



You can see that both bearings are the same thickness (height), but the original has a collar on the bottom and it has a rubber seal built into the top of it, seen here....





The original has a top cover that curls over the bottom piece and creates a collar around the outside of the bearing. The new one has a top cover that goes to the bottom, but the problem is that the lower inner piece of the bearing does not extend out past the lip of the upper cover. If I lay this bearing flat, it rides on the side of the top cover and does not spin the inner/lower portion. Here is the link to the video.



In looking at the service manuals I have, it seems to reference bearing 3123 everywhere, but I cannot find a cross reference to a more specific part number to help me find a pic of what it is supposed to look like. Although I already ripped into the Moog kit, I am wondering if just the bearings are available anywhere and what is the right bearing? Maybe I have the wrong Moog kit, but all roads lead to that kit, and all other parts (bushings, kingpin, etc) look to be the right parts.

Thanks in advance!

[390FE1972]

Not sure if any of these threads will answer your question, but there is some good info here, hopefully someone that has done their king pins will chime in on this.

https://www.fordification.com/forum/vie ... =5&t=87941
https://www.fordification.com/forum/vie ... =5&t=68354
https://www.fordification.com/forum/vie ... =5&t=38319
https://www.fordification.com/forum/vie ... =5&t=87684

Here is the schematic: http://www.fordification.com/tech/image ... eams01.jpg Click on it to enlarge after you open it.

Regards

[rms337]

Thanks for the reply, 390FE. While I had found most of those threads, there was a new one in there. I purchased the Chadwick reamer a couple of weeks ago and waiting to do the reaming until I after I paint.

I called Greens and they were very helpful. After telling him all I knew was part 3123 from the diagrams, and then the particulars of my truck, he came back after a couple of minutes and told me he had them. Opened the box and confirmed they said BE-87 on them. $10 for a box of two, so I bought two sets to have a spare set and they arrived a few days ago. Other than a little very light surface rust spots, these are in great shape for original parts. The grease has hardened, but the rubber inner seal is in great shape. I am going to soak them in solvent to work out the old grease, but these will work great. I have posted photos below.

I would still like to hear about anyone's experience with the BE-61 bearings in the replacement kit. I never heard back from Trayer. I just don't see how the BE-61's function as a bearing when the upper portion of the case rests on the flat surface that the lower portion of the bearing is supposed to rest on. I would be curious to know if anyone has pulled one of these off recently to see how they wear after being in service.

[Old+Blue]

This is a great post, very detailed and clear with excellent photos.
Thank you.
I’m at the same point in my truck work….now trying to find the BE-87 bearings myself.