2N front spindles and 2N arms

TX Bruce

New User
I purchased new spindles for my 2N. Problem is the groove for the bolt is directly opposite (180 degrees) the slot for the woodruff key. My spindle arms (2N 3130 and 2N 3131) have the bolt slot about 150 degrees around and not directly opposite (see photos). As such the bolt won't go through.

The retailer checked their stock and all their 2N spindles are this way.

I could buy 8N arms (at more cost) and convert. The tie rods are the 2N style. Any problems with going this route?

I could return the spindles and simply re-use the old ones. The left has a bit of play at the top, perhaps less than 1/32" between it and the bushing all around. The right has a little less play but its play is at the bottom. Is this much play within 'tolerances' or should I be tighter? If so;

I could return the spindles and have a machine shop install another thicker bushing made for the top left and the spindle built up a little on the lower right.

I could have a machine shop re-do the grooves by adding metal and regrinding.

What experience and recommendations do you all have in this case? Itching to get the tractor running again to shred the back 5.

Thanks for your help.
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I'm trying to figure out how kingpins came to be called "spindles" in tractor land.

The spindle is the assembly that your wheel bearings, hub and drum slide onto that accepts the nut and cotter pin. The kingpin bushings are in the upper and lower sections of the spindle yoke.

Kingpin replacement:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUrCmIT7bRM
 
Hey TX Bruce, thanks for the exercise!
I just took a walk around and looked at my similar tractors.
My 9N has pinch bolts on the inside, both 2Ns look just like yours.
The only one with the key 180 degrees away is my '51 8N.

I think the retailer may be stocking 8N parts not knowing they
are different. You may want to find a different retailer.

Another option is to buy good used parts if you need them.
John Smith might have them, or Jim.UT. Both are forum members
here that I have purchased from and have been extremely satisfied.

In any event, new bushings may be in order and may be all you need.
Are your shafts really worn, or just the bushings?
 
Are you sure they didn't send you 8N spindles? The 180 degree bolt groove is normal on the 8N spindle. 8N spindles will be a little shorter than the 2N and won't fit all the way in to get the steering arm on. You don't want to use 8N arms on a 2N because the stops are on the arms on a 2N. You won't have any stops with 8N upper arms. If you do have 2N spindles that were incorrectly machined (wouldn't surprise me), it would be easy to make them work. The Woodruff key locates the arm and keeps it in place. The bolt groove is nothing more than clearance. Just grind the groove further around until the bolt goes through. Won't hurt anything.
 
Tractor spindles are one piece, the "kingpin" is
part of the spindle. So they don't have a kingpin.
Vehicles with kingpins have 2 pieces, a kingpin and
a separate spindle the kingpin keeps in place.
 
John,

I had a fairly long discussion. There was a previous YT discussion post on it that I sent them. They checked on all their 2N 3105 and 2N 3106 spindles were that way. Their option was to sell me the 8N arms.

Will consider extending the groove. Thx.

Bruce
 
If your spindles have play in them, shy not just replace the bushings, there are only four, one ar the top and one at the bottom of each. A lot cheaper than replacing the spindle and if the bushings are wore, you still have the same play.
 
Royse,

New bushings installed. The top left is actually oversized. That is what started this quest as the bushing fell down. Top of the housing was wallowed out a bit. Had them machined w/ a new oversized bushing at top left. Other bushings are also new but not oversized.

When I had the spindle out, I could see the wear. It was definitely there but I thought less the 1/32" on one side. The looseness is w/ the new bushings.

Bruce.
 
Yeah, bushings replaced, the left housing wallowed out so machine shop made an oversized bushing. front axle pin and bushing replaced, but front axle pin sold did not have the clearance for radiator in spite of photo to the contrary so machine shopped that down. Spindles did have some wear, left one worse than right so I broke down to buy replacements. I hear you about the expense. The wife is understandably singing that song.
 
Oh, how are they fixed together, spindle and kingpin?

Oh, I see, the yoke is part of the axle.
Kingpin/spindle comes up from below.

Still technically, which one has to be when talking about operations, if kingpin and spindle are one unit then one should still be referring to the kingpin "part of the spindle" when talking about upper and lower kingpin bushings. A threaded, tapered, wheel bearing & hub accepting spindle is still a spindle, not a kingpin.

Machining a new end on tractor KINGPIN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbIvvCVtBbI

Cheers :)
 
Mo, took your advice. An $8 round file did the trick. Took just enough off to clear the bolt. Got the 5 ac. shredded. A relief. Thanks again.
 

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