Ever swap Original spindles for 3/4" ones?

C5rider · #1 03-14-2014, 09:46 PM

Thinking of swapping out the 7/8-inch spindles for more common 3/4-inch versions so that I can use bearings in the wheels instead of bushings.

I located a heavy duty set on the 'bay and I'm thinking of swapping out the ones on the puller Original. We sometimes find the front end up in the air and I'm always mindful to let up on the throttle and let the front end slowly come down but, I'm afraid that someday, I'll have a brain-fart and forget. Don't want to break one!

the new set has additional bracing and is 3/4", so I could use the set of tri-ribs that I have. If anyone else might be interested on how I do this swap, I'll include some pics and info. We'll both find out if it's doable.

Ever wondered what it would take?

mmzullo · #2 03-14-2014, 11:53 PM

Good question. But the O s steering knuckles are heavier 7/8 verses3/4. But I dont think the knuckles would work without some kind if sleeve to make up the difference in diameter.

C5rider · #3 03-15-2014, 07:00 AM

You are correct MM.

But, it's much easier to make something bigger than it is to make it smaller. THAT takes machinery!

Sam Mac · #4 03-15-2014, 07:03 AM

Could you put a sleeve or bushing over the 7/8" spindle and use 1" ID bearing wheels?

dvogtvpe · #5 03-15-2014, 07:44 AM

I've done that before, just get some 7/8 od to 3/4 id bushings . Loctite them in. tractor pullers like to use original axles. most stock rules state you need to run a stock front axle. since the original axle is straighter , add the NF spindles and you get a nice drop or rake to the front end. also all the fancy aluminum rims are based on 3/4 in spindle.

Sam Mac · #6 03-15-2014, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvogtvpe

I've done that before, just get some 7/8 od to 3/4 id bushings . Loctite them in. tractor pullers like to use original axles. most stock rules state you need to run a stock front axle. since the original axle is straighter , add the NF spindles and you get a nice drop or rake to the front end. also all the fancy aluminum rims are based on 3/4 in spindle.

This sounds like the hot setup!

C5rider · #7 03-15-2014, 09:57 PM

I got one side fabbed-up and I think I know how I'm going to do it. I have a set of heavier spindles than the Original ones, but I think they came off of an Economy, or something like that. They've got some additional bracing on the bend.

I'll be posting some photos of what I did to make them work. Really not a lot of work to make it happen. I used a set of bushings to make up the difference in the axle and I'm working out the bearing options now. I can order some thrust bearings for between the spindles and the axle, but right now I've got some bronze bearing surface in there. I have plenty of spindle left to put a bearing in there and I may do that just to make it bullet-proof. Not sure how fast the bronze would wear.

I'll be working on it a little in the next few days, but hopefully when it's done, it'll work better, be stronger and look good doing it.