wd front end switch

dave wilken · Jul 17, 2008

i bought a wd wide front end. wanted to put it on my wd. it says 3 bolt though, i thought they were all 4 bolt. did i screw up-dave in ohio

Anonymous-0 · Jul 17, 2008

They interchange- three or four bolt refers to the number of bolts in the plate at the front of the unit. Plate and steering sector casting must match. Four bolt is newer. Entire units can be switched.

dave wilken · Jul 17, 2008

excellent- my plan was to drop the trike off all in one piece and then see what it takes to get the widefront on. not much of a mechanic but i think i'll figure it out. will the tires be ok too? dave

David Grubb · Jul 17, 2008

Secure the rear wheels from rotating. Install a jack and stand unit under the right frame rail just aft of the engine cross member support. Loosen all of the left side frame rail bolts at the rear end,engine,and remove the steering casting bolts and the left bolt in the front support for the engine. Disconnect the steering shaft at the aft side of the steering gearbox. Remove the right side steering gearbox bolts. Work the gear box loose and forward until it is out of the frame rails. Check and clean the mounting holes for the new steering gearbox and slide it in position. When reinstalling the engine cross member support the shims between the support and the engine should be clearance plus .010". You can loosen the right frame rail but you will cause your hydraulic fluid to leak out around the seal between the frame rail and the housing. Correct shimming of the engine front cross member is important. You will like the handling of your new tractor when you are finished. I read somewhere that the 4 bolt front ends came out with diesel models due to the heavier engine.

BDT in Minnesota · Jul 17, 2008

JMS/.MN and David have donated some good, helpful info....The four bolt front plate that is referred to on these front ends was an improvement that took place during later 1954 WD45 production, and was used on gas and diesel models alike....The three bolt front end is even "politically correct" for your WD...

Anonymous-0 · Jul 18, 2008

Eight bolts and a pin through the steering knuckle are all that hold it in. Might need to loosen a side rail and take out one bolt on the engine front support (one that goes through the side rail you loosen). Also remove the radiator bolt on that rail- reach underneath, up inside the rail, need a 3/4 inch socket. Wheels are the same on either type of axle.

Anonymous-0 · Jul 18, 2008

thanks- you folks are great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous-0 · Jul 18, 2008

BTW- when I referred to loosening a side rail- I meant the left one- if you loosen the right one you may have issues with oil leaking at the belt pulley. Might not need to loosen one- just depends if you can wiggle the steering sector casting out easily. Just maker sure you support the tractor with good cribbing or a hoist, so it does not fall on you. Getting the WF in between the channels is a challenge, can only lighten it up so much, and it likes to rotate on you. Consider splitting the unit- the casting away from the axle and wheels- makes it much easier to handle. Done several by myself, would be easier with an army.

wd front end switch

dave wilken

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dave wilken

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David Grubb

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BDT in Minnesota

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