Replacing side rails on 4020

jturbo10

Member
Looking at a 68 JD 4020 that the frame rails are welded on both sides. Owner says it was that way when he bought it a couple of years ago. He doesn't know the history of tractor and whether it was a loader tractor etc. How hard is it to find serviceable side rails and how hard would it be to replace both of them? Is it a bad idea to use as is? I don't plan to use it for anything except for a backup tractor on a disk mower, rake, and square baler. Do you have to split the tractor to replace the rails? I don't really need another tractor that I would have to spend a lot of time and money on for a backup to my backup tractors. I fell in love with 4020s when I was in high school and always wanted one and it would go good with my 3020 and 630. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 

You can replace frame rails without splitting by supporting tractor by a jack under engine oil pan. You can probably find used rails or new after market replacements such as photo below.
mvphoto13807.jpg
 
I had one off last week to replace the hyd line
feeding the main pump on my 3020.

As Jim stated, a little support helps a lot.
Rather than jack on the oil pan though, use
something more solid. I put the jack right at
the corner of the block where wishbone that
holds the hyd pump attaches. Only jack enough
to support, and not lift.

Good luck.
 
Review the service manual and find out the torque for the bolts. I think they require 250 ft. lb. of torque. I replaced mine a couple of years ago.
 

coonie minnie
Have you ever seen oil pan cracked from using a jack to support tractor while removing side frame? I haven't. Granted I stated "support" not raise frt tires off floor.
 
Jim-

I'm sorry if you felt attacked, that wasn't my
objective. When I consulted my dealer, he told
me to do as I described... and instructed me
NOT to jack on the pan. I felt it appropriate
to pass along what I was told by someone in the
know.

As far as broken cast oil pans, I have seen
them... not on a 4020 from using a jack, but it
does happen, and on JD's. been there, had to
fix that!
 
(quoted from post at 19:47:43 12/11/14)
You can replace frame rails without splitting by supporting tractor by a jack under engine oil pan. You can probably find used rails or new after market replacements such as photo below.
mvphoto13807.jpg

Jim: Thanks for the info. That info was exactly what I needed and I appreciate all the help from the other guys. Thanks
 
Hey, I was just through the same thing as you are.
Bought a rough 4020 cheap that I plan of fixing
up.
It is a 69 4020 power shift that had front wheel
assist. I have always wanted one, got the parts
to put it back as original and bought it cheap.
It had weld on the side rails and mounting bolts.
I knew it had a loader on it. this is where the
red flag goes up. These tractors are getting old
enough that the side rail bolts DO come loose,
especially with a loader, they will work loose
and damage the block threads and crack the rails.
I looked a long time to find STRAIGHT used side
rails for my tractor. first set I had to return
because they were bowed in the middle.
Have a straight edge piece of metal or sight down
them if you buy used ones. they will be in that
150 to 200 price range each. Make sure you get the
bolts with them, your threads could be stretched.
You can take one side at a time off like the guys
say here by supporting the tractor properly.
I was lucky enough on my tractor that the block
was properly helicoiled on the threads and new
bolts replaced. if you call it that.
The main thing is weld on the rails is one thing,
maybe the farmer had a tool box or extra battery
boxes mounted on it. The worst thing is stretched
bolt holes in the block, bad bolts and worn,
welded rails. Have a closer look, you really
dont know till you get them unbolted and have a
closer look. As long as the bolts are tight and
there is no cracks in the rails use the tractor
till you find replacement ones. thats what i did.
Take a johnston bar and make sure the bolts are
tight, of course with the owners permission. Good
luck.
 
I replaced mine on my '65 4020 that I used for a loader tractor. I put a jack under the front of the transmission case right below and behind the front pto shaft. I left 1 rail on while I replaced the other. I didn't have any problems.
 
If you have not fixed your rails yet, there are 2
on ebay at buy it now for $50 + shipping. I wish I
would have been able to get a deal like that when I
replaced mine. I would jump on them if you still
need a fix. Good luck.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top