Super steering upgrade, front axle
 

I was looking at this article and am a little confused (not uncommon). http://cubfaq.com/supersteer.html Take a look at it then answer my questions.
I found an 1860 but the front axle doesn't have the hub like in this guys pictures. I am assuming his is a five lugs rim on the front? I like the idea of doing the upgrade but not exactly sure what I am looking for. I looked on Cub Cadets parts list and none of the models he mentions have the front hub as in his pictures. Is this something he added maybe, no real explanation.
I can get this 1860 at a great price, but that would be the main reason for the purchase.

Those are not Cub wheels. I just put a front axle from a 1440 in my 1210 and it made a world of differance. It will raise the front end of the tractor about 2inches so you'll need to play with your mower deck. I put a set of thrust roller bearings on the spindles also in place of the thrust washer. Went with some new Carlisile 15 X 6.5 X 8 tires and had the rims from the 1440 powder coated. Came out sweet.

The hub and wheels on his upgrade are another upgrade on top of the super steer axle upgrade, If that makes sense. The super steer axle is a good upgrade, I also just did it on my 1211. The hubs and lug bolt wheels are what allot of guys with loaders where upgrading to from the regular cub wheel bearings.

Thanks for the replies. I will be putting it on a 149, wonder if the 2" lift on the front would be the same as on the 1210/1211. Seems like that may look odd with the front lifted that much.

In his article he mentions that not all the models he listed have the correct front axle, depends on serial #. I have attached some pictures of the axle in question, is this the correct one? If so I think I will pick it up in the morning.

That is a super steer axle for sure. Give me a couple minutes and I will look and see if it is a high center one or not.

I looked up the part numbers, I know for sure that my super steer axle came from a 1863 ( part # 719-3100-0637=replaces #719-3100 ) . It was a high center axle. SAM MAC used one from a 1440, same part number as the 1863, and it was a high center also.

The part number for the 1860 axle is ( 759-3549 ). So I would have to say that it is a super steer axle. And it is not a high center. So it will not raise the front, it should stay the same.

I would like to know alittle more about this 1860 you are going to get. Are you going to sell parts from it ? If so, is the motor spoken for ? And if it has the splined drive shaft and couplers, Is it spoken for ?

jbollis, thanks for the info. I went this morning and picked it up. I started a new thread on it if you would like to chime in. As of now I don't want to sell any parts until I know I can't use them. I will keep you at the top of the list though. Thanks
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...9461#post39461

well i know i am reviving an old thread but it still has pertinent information. I have read over the above link and still do not know enough. i would like to upgrade my steering on my 1650. i have a ton of mesquite trees on my 2 acres and i cant maneuver my 50" deck to well. i see in the posts above there is a high center and one that does not. i do not want to raise the front of my 1650 up any from normal. what exactly should i be looking for. i am not too familiar with any of the models above the 1650 series. i would not be balk at the option of power steering either while i am at it, but my manual does not wear me out at all. any help would be great. any one have the picture comparisons of a high center against a standard one so i can tell what to look for, or model numbers would be better.

Are you trying to make it easier to steer? If so, then adjustment of the steering gear box (or repairs if necessary) might help. Be sure the front axle kingpins are greased, and, if you want, you can add the bearing on the steering gear box. part way down on this page: http://ccspecialties.org/steering_seats.html. That seems to help some. Also, the tires you have can make a big difference in ease of steering. I don't know about power steering, somebody else will have to jump in on that. I have a 1650 as well. Nice tractor.

not so much easier to steer as get a better (smaller) turning radius. from what i read some of the new axles has a much reduced turning radius that would sure help navigate around though all my trees.

I've got a 1979 1650 as well- thought it would be a great upgrade.

Sweet that you found a scrap one cheap for the parts. You can always change to the 3:1 ross steering gear off a later unit if you want less effort.

I'm just obsessive about upgrades as a customization.

I ended up using the 1860 axle. If you go to cub cadets web site you can cross reference that part # to see what all models it would have fit. I also was able to use the pivot ? pin bolt from the 1860 axle. I had to grind the nut down a little so it wouldn't hit the oil pan. It makes all the difference by keeping the axle tight in the housing. Once you get started you will see what I am talking about.
As far as steering, I used a three turn steering column from an 1810. It makes a huge difference in ease of steering.
All in all it is well worth the time and effort.
If it helps I can get some pictures for you tomorrow.

Edit: I just remembered why I used the three turn column, with the two turn from the 149 (1650 in your case) the steering wants to bind at a certain point in the turn. The three turn column takes care of that problem plus the added bonus of easier steering.