A free original! ...and a spindle question.

[kalebevans]

I'm a lucky guy. My friend gave me an Original recently (serial #56665) and I've been going through it. I've cleaned out the rear end and installed new axle seals and I'm about to order bronze bushings for the rear axle and the front spindles. The ones on the rear weren't quite worn through, so it's my lucky day, but the front spindles are pretty worn from the wheels. I was planning on just replacing the bushings, but with the wear I think that it might be a waste of $60. They are about as worn as the bushings, so they've probably been replaced before at some point. So here's my plan: I'm toying with the idea of putting a steel bushing (either welding or using some JB Weld to keep it from rotating) on the spindle to bring it up to 1 1/8" OD from the original 7/8", and then getting bronze bushings with that 1 1/8" ID. I'll need to add a groove for the grease like the OEM bushings, of course, but that should be easy enough. I'm thinking this idea will be easier to do then welding and grinding them smooth, save on costs, and I'll have a greater wear surface for increased longevity. (Not that 56 years is bad, but if it keeps the steering tighter I'm thinking why not?) What do you guys who know more about this type of thing think?

[cubby102]

Originally Posted by kalebevans

I'm a lucky guy. My friend gave me an Original recently (serial #56665) and I've been going through it. I've cleaned out the rear end and installed new axle seals and I'm about to order bronze bushings for the rear axle and the front spindles. The ones on the rear weren't quite worn through, so it's my lucky day, but the front spindles are pretty worn from the wheels. I was planning on just replacing the bushings, but with the wear I think that it might be a waste of $60. They are about as worn as the bushings, so they've probably been replaced before at some point. So here's my plan: I'm toying with the idea of putting a steel bushing (either welding or using some JB Weld to keep it from rotating) on the spindle to bring it up to 1 1/8" OD from the original 7/8", and then getting bronze bushings with that 1 1/8" ID. I'll need to add a groove for the grease like the OEM bushings, of course, but that should be easy enough. I'm thinking this idea will be easier to do then welding and grinding them smooth, save on costs, and I'll have a greater wear surface for increased longevity. (Not that 56 years is bad, but if it keeps the steering tighter I'm thinking why not?) What do you guys who know more about this type of thing think?

Could also have them turned down to 3/4.


Or go to just 1 inch and maybe a set of 82 series wheel bearings (I do not remember the OD of the bearings for the 82 series you'll have to look into that)

If you turned to 3/4 you could use narrow frame narrow front wheels with bearings for sure. That way yes wouldnt have to worry about the bushings eating in anymore.

[ol'George]

If the spindle/knuckle is of the type like the later quiet lines and 82 series that has the actual spindle welded in the knuckle, just grind off the weld and remove the spindle and install & reweld:
A. A new 7/8" spindle and use original wheels, renewing the bushings
B. A 3/4" spindle and use later model wheels/ball bearings.
C. A 1" spindle and use wheels from late quiet line or 82 series.
Prolly jeff can do it but you need to get with him.
I personally have removed the spindles and made longer ones for a special build on an 82 series
Easy/ peasy with a little lathe/welding work.

[MikeMasheris]

Have them brazed up and reprofile them to fit new bushings .I have done it before.

[kalebevans]

Thanks for your suggestions!

[darkminion_17]

Free is good, any pictures? We like them.

[kalebevans]

Here's a couple shots. I tried flipping and re-saving that one photo multiple times to no avail, so sorry about that. It looks right on my screen until it loads on the site. Oh well.
We decided to haul it to my place and let it thaw out before pulling the deck, and I gave that back to my friend since he wants it for his worker. I'm getting a starter generator for it tonight and I'll need to weld the seat, but it's getting closer!

[Cub Cadet 123]

Originally Posted by kalebevans

Here's a couple shots. I tried flipping and re-saving that one photo multiple times to no avail, so sorry about that. It looks right on my screen until it loads on the site. Oh well.
We decided to haul it to my place and let it thaw out before pulling the deck, and I gave that back to my friend since he wants it for his worker. I'm getting a starter generator for it tonight and I'll need to weld the seat, but it's getting closer!

Wow!! You have the rare O that defies gravity with the snow cone seat and footrest....and it came with a cool little fella!!

All funnin' aside, you got a really nice cub there. It has been repainted at one time or possibly restored at some point in its past. It looks like it also has a replaced engine, unless they painted it black when they repainted the cub. It looks to be in really great condition for its age. Glad your buddy helped you with it. Nice score!!!

Cub Cadet 123

[Dirty Steve]

Square eyes(head lights)? Hows bout a better pic of the front end??

Regardless, still very awesome for being free!!

[jbrewer]

You did really well! That's a nice tractor, and your friend got a nice deck.

Thank you for posting it. Sure looks cold there. Is your shop warm?