Dana 60 Kingpin Spring Eliminator Kit w/ Lower Kingpin Bearings & Seals
CASE60P-BR
The Crane Axle Premium Dana 60 King Pin Spring Eliminator Kit with Lower Kingpin Bearings & Seals replaces the factory upper kingpin spring preload system with heavy-durometer bushings and adjustable shims for more consistent steering knuckle preload. Designed for OEM and aftermarket Dana 60 kingpin front axles, this upgraded system helps reduce unwanted knuckle movement and steering looseness under heavy steering loads. It is particularly useful for trucks, rock crawlers, and off-road vehicles running oversized tires, beadlocks, hydraulic assist steering, or high-steer systems.
Unlike a basic kingpin spring eliminator, this premium package includes white replacement upper kingpin bushings, kingpin caps, lower kingpin bearings and races, and upper and lower kingpin seals for servicing both steering knuckles. The included shims allow preload adjustment during installation, while the replacement bearings and seals address additional wear points that can contribute to steering play. This makes the kit a practical upgrade when rebuilding Dana 60 kingpin knuckles or correcting worn steering components on heavy-duty street and off-road vehicles.
Includes:
- (2) Crane Axle Heavy-Durometer Kingpin Preload Bushings
- (4) Kingpin Preload Adjustment Shims
- (2) White Replacement Upper Kingpin Bushings
- (2) Kingpin Caps
- (2) Lower Kingpin Bearings
- (2) Lower Kingpin Bearing Races
- (2) Lower Kingpin Seals
- (2) Upper Kingpin Seals
Installation Note: Proper kingpin preload adjustment is required. Inspect the kingpin surfaces, knuckles, bearings, and related steering components before assembly. This kit services both sides of one Dana 60 kingpin front axle but is not a complete replacement for every component in the knuckle assembly.
Specifications
Kit Specifications
| Manufacturer | Crane Axle |
|---|---|
| Part Number / SKU | CASE60P-BR |
| Product Type | Premium Kingpin Spring Eliminator Kit with Lower Bearings & Seals |
| Axle Platform | Dana 60 |
| Axle Position | Front Steering Axle |
| Knuckle Design | Kingpin |
| Preload System | Heavy-Durometer Bushings with Adjustable Shims |
| Replaces | Factory Upper Kingpin Spring Preload System |
| Preload Adjustment | Included Adjustment Shims |
| Upper Kingpin Components | Heavy-Durometer Bushings, White Replacement Bushings, Shims, Caps & Seals |
| Lower Kingpin Components | Bearings, Races & Seals |
| Service Coverage | Both Steering Knuckles / One Front Axle |
| Knuckle Compatibility | OEM & Compatible Aftermarket Dana 60 Kingpin Knuckles |
| Steering Compatibility | Stock, High Steer, Crossover & Hydraulic Assist Applications |
| Installation Type | Kingpin Preload Conversion & Bearing/Seal Service |
| Manufacturing | Made in the USA (Crane Axle Kit) |
| Primary Application | Dana 60 Kingpin Steering Stability, Preload Upgrade & Knuckle Service |
| Known Incompatibilities | Ball-Joint Dana 60 Axles and Non-Dana 60 Kingpin Assemblies |
Included Component Quantities
| Component | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy-Durometer Preload Bushings | (2) | Replace Factory Kingpin Spring Preload |
| Preload Adjustment Shims | (4) | Adjust Upper Kingpin Preload |
| White Replacement Kingpin Bushings | (2) | Replace Upper Kingpin Bushing Components |
| Kingpin Caps | (2) | Upper Kingpin Assembly Components |
| Lower Kingpin Bearings | (2) | Support Lower Knuckle Pivot Loads |
| Lower Kingpin Bearing Races | (2) | Provide Bearing Contact Surfaces |
| Lower Kingpin Seals | (2) | Seal Lower Kingpin Bearing Assemblies |
| Upper Kingpin Seals | (2) | Seal Upper Kingpin Assemblies |
Component Note: This package includes the premium spring eliminator components and lower kingpin bearing/seal service parts. Upper kingpin studs or cones, lower trunnion caps, and complete steering knuckle assemblies are not listed as included.
Fitment
Compatible Dana 60 Kingpin Front Axle Applications
Designed for OEM and compatible aftermarket Dana 60 kingpin front steering axles. The following vehicles are common applications when equipped with the correct kingpin-style Dana 60 axle.
| Make | Model | Year Range | Axle Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford | F-250 / F-350 | 1978–1991 | Dana 60 Kingpin Front Axle |
| Chevrolet | K30 / V30 | 1977–1991 | Dana 60 Kingpin Front Axle |
| GMC | K3500 / V3500 | 1977–1991 | Dana 60 Kingpin Front Axle |
| Dodge | W250 / W350 / 3500 | 1975–1993 | Dana 60 Kingpin Front Axle |
| Custom Builds | Aftermarket Kingpin Dana 60 Applications | Universal | Compatible Dana 60 Kingpin Front Axle |
Fitment & Installation Notes:
- Fits compatible OEM and aftermarket Dana 60 kingpin front axles.
- Designed for kingpin-style steering knuckles, not ball-joint Dana 60 axles.
- Compatible with stock steering, high-steer arms, crossover steering, and hydraulic assist systems when the underlying knuckle assembly is compatible.
- Vehicle year and model alone do not guarantee fitment; verify the actual front axle and knuckle design.
- Inspect upper kingpin surfaces and lower bearing seats for damage or excessive wear.
- Install new lower kingpin bearings and races using appropriate bearing installation procedures.
- Set upper kingpin preload using the included shims and the correct service procedure.
- Verify smooth steering movement and appropriate knuckle resistance after assembly.
- Inspect tie rods, drag links, steering joints, wheel bearings, and related components when diagnosing steering looseness or vibration.
Fitment Note: Some vehicles within the listed year ranges were equipped with different front axle assemblies. Confirm that your vehicle has a Dana 60 kingpin front axle before ordering.
FAQ
What does the Crane Axle Dana 60 Kingpin Spring Eliminator Kit do?
The kit replaces the factory upper kingpin spring preload system with heavy-durometer bushings and adjustable shims. This provides more consistent knuckle preload and helps reduce unwanted movement under heavy steering loads.
What makes this premium kit different from the basic spring eliminator?
This premium package includes heavy-durometer preload bushings, adjustment shims, white replacement upper kingpin bushings, and caps. It also includes lower kingpin bearings, races, and upper and lower seals for servicing both steering knuckles.
Does the kit include components for both sides of the axle?
Yes. The package includes two heavy-durometer bushings, two white replacement kingpin bushings, two caps, two lower bearings and races, two upper seals, two lower seals, and four adjustment shims for servicing both steering knuckles on one front axle.
Will this kit eliminate death wobble?
The kit can help reduce steering looseness when worn kingpin springs, bushings, or lower bearings are contributing to excessive knuckle movement. However, death wobble can have multiple causes, including worn steering joints, loose track bars, wheel bearing problems, alignment issues, and tire-related problems. A complete steering and suspension inspection is recommended.
Why are lower kingpin bearings and races included?
Lower kingpin bearings support significant loads at the steering knuckle. Worn bearings or races can create steering play even when the upper preload system is functioning correctly. Replacing these components allows the lower pivot assembly to be serviced alongside the spring eliminator conversion.
What are the included preload shims used for?
The shims allow the installer to adjust upper kingpin preload and steering knuckle resistance. Proper adjustment is important because insufficient preload can allow movement, while excessive preload can cause binding or accelerated wear.
Does this kit fit ball-joint Dana 60 front axles?
No. This kit is specifically designed for Dana 60 front axles with kingpin-style steering knuckles. Ball-joint Dana 60 axles use a different steering knuckle pivot system and require different components.
Is this kit compatible with high-steer and hydraulic assist steering?
Yes. The kit is intended for compatible Dana 60 kingpin knuckles used with stock steering, high-steer arms, crossover steering, and hydraulic assist systems. Verify the knuckle design and steering hardware before installation.
Does this replace every component in a Dana 60 kingpin assembly?
No. This package includes the spring eliminator conversion components, replacement upper bushings, caps, lower bearings and races, and upper and lower seals. It is not a complete replacement for every kingpin, trunnion, or steering knuckle component.
When should Dana 60 kingpin components be inspected or replaced?
Excessive steering play, wandering, unusual knuckle movement, damaged seals, or rough steering movement can indicate worn kingpin components. Inspect the upper preload system, lower bearings, races, seals, and surrounding steering components to determine which parts require service.
