Spindle Bushings

I must confess to not having put very many bushings in those older tractors. My experience is primarily with the '65 and up versions. I would have to say, however, that the problems you had are most likely caused by the aftermarket parts, wherever they are made. I have had more than my share of problems with aftermarket parts, and I don't say this because I work for a dealer either.

I would suggest next time you have to rebush one of the tractors that you had problems with, maybe try Ford bushings. I'm sure for as little as a part like that would cost, the price differential would not be all that great. It would actually pay for itself if you didn't have to ream them.

As to the mention in the book about reaming, I've never seen that, at least not in any of the books that I have seen. Ford doesn't even give tolerances for those front end parts. I guess they figure that since you're not going to drive your tractor at 50 MPH down the road, that it's not really that critical!

Also, sometimes when the thrust bearings go out, when you take it apart, the only thing left is the upper race of the bearing. If this is the case, don't let that fool you into thinking that you are looking at the flat housing surface. Make sure you look carefully at the housing to make sure all of the old thrust bearing is gone.

Make sure you pack the new thrust bearings well with grease. They won't see much grease after they are installed, as the bearing is pretty well shrouded.