Just fitting the front swing arms to the axle on my AK after stripping the steering rack, cleaning and rebuilding, a job much easier than I anticipated.
I notice the hub carriers on both arms have about 1mm vertical movement at the king pin. It looks to me as if the king pins are the original as the top cap has been peened in very neatly. As a matter of course I was going to replace the king pins. I've done this a few times before on other A series but I just can't shift the first one I tried.
Is this kind of movement normal? I cant see any other abnormal movement. It would be nice not to have to renew. I'm not getting any younger and swinging a 4lb sledge hammer would need a few glasses of red wine to get me in fighting mood! Any thoughts guys?

Well, if you've done it before . . .

But the vertical movement should be between 0.1mm to 0.4mm. If more, you may need to re-shim.

Steve,
I guess you'll have heard of 'horseshoe' washers?
One of those, cut from a baked bean can or any sheet metal of appropriate gauge, will deal with excessive 'lift' in a kingpin assembly...

Thank for the measurements Derek. I wish I did have the strength in my wrists to wack with a 4lb hammer, then I'd replace as a matter of course! The advancement of years doesn't come alone!

Now Ken, I don't know whether you are pulling my leg with "horseshoe washers'! I have the greatest respect for your advice as you've advised me on many occasions before. I guess this would just be a temporary fix?