Supersteer axle on a 102

[tweivoda]

So I am looking at a really nice 102 Cub Cadet that has been fully restored. It looks pretty impressive. This was the tractor from my youth that started the insanity so I think I need to have it.

But here is the question. As much as I admire the tractors of that era I do recall that they didn't steer all that well. So my question is does anyone have some experience in replacing the old axle/steering linkage with a supersteer axle.

I realize it will alter the look but since I really want to play with the 102 rather than just have a parade tractor I think it would be a fare trade off.

Thoughts?

[finsruskw]

Put a set of tri ribs on the front and you will think you have power steering.

[jcubtroy]

Tri ribs, two turn or three turn, redo the Ross, there are some options.

[Farmall450]

Can't say I've seen someone do it. Those tractors are pretty light in the front and steer easy IMO.

[Steve N Mi]

I'm not going to be much help to the posted concern. I have a 1650 that is stiff when it comes to turning, so I see some help here for me. I don't know what a supersteer axle is - maybe someone could explain it. And where does one find a 3 turn steering box? TIA Steve

[DeltaCub]

A super steer axle will fit...but some adaptation may be necessary. Model 102s have a flat, shallow oil pan which help when it comes to king pin/pivot bolt. The bolt head may interfere with the mule drive assembly....some modification may be necessary. The tie rod and drag link are much larger than what came on tractors prior to the "Cyclops" series...again some modification may be necessary for the steering to work properly without interference issues. Also the super steer axle is wider than the original axle and some versions of it will increase the front stance of the tractor. So, yes the axle will work but tri ribs are the easiest solution for improving steering effort.

The pic below shows two versions of the super steer axle. Notice one has shorter spindles.

[jbrewer]

Originally Posted by finsruskw

Put a set of tri ribs on the front and you will think you have power steering.

I agree with this. Taller narrow tires (like the ones that came with the narrow wheel Cubs) of most any type really transform the Cub steering. Those wide rimmed knobbies that are on most modern tractors and many Cadets really make turning difficiut.

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by DeltaCub

A super steer axle will fit...but some adaptation may be necessary. Model 102s have a flat, shallow oil pan which help when it comes to king pin/pivot bolt. The bolt head may interfere with the mule drive assembly....some modification may be necessary. The tie rod and drag link are much larger than what came on tractors prior to the "Cyclops" series...again some modification may be necessary for the steering to work properly without interference issues. Also the super steer axle is wider than the original axle and some versions of it will increase the front stance of the tractor. So, yes the axle will work but tri ribs are the easiest solution for improving steering effort.

The pic below shows two versions of the super steer axle. Notice one has shorter spindles.

The taller spindles will raise the front of the tractor approx 2"
Also you will prolly have to tweak the tie rod plates ( what the tie rods are bolted too that are welded to the spindles)
ONLY IF you are going to use a mower deck/mule drive.

This is my finding when putting super steers on my 782, and 1650.
I also added power steering to both those tractors later as super steering really didn't give me the ease of steering I wanted.
I will mention I have no experience with a "102"
FWIW:
The tweaking was necessary in my case, because the tie rods
themselves, would rub on deck mule drive hangers, but this is only at full left or full right turns AND the wheel at full pivot up or down as when one encounters a raised bump in terrain, which is most always during normal operation of a tractor.
Hope this helps.