Babbit rods or insert type rods

Tstoner · Mar 8, 2023

I have a 44 A I am restoring. When I got the tractor I only had the crank shaft and main bearings. (Cylinder Block and pistons where gone) . I'm nearing the point in the project to start assembly of the engine components. My question is what is your guys opinion on babbit style rods vs insert type rods? I had the rod journals welded and machined to standard. I have found both for sale. I understand that babbited rods are more forgiving. If I do buy some babbited style rods is there any way to re-new them? If there is does anyone know who does that ?

NoDakInMN · Mar 8, 2023

There are places that will do rebabbitting but unless you are planning on using your tractor to actively farm, you will probably not need to have it done if you install rods with new babbitt. If you do experience some wear, that can be addressed by taking out some shims.

Mike M · Mar 9, 2023

You can always have babbit rods machined to accept insert type bearings. I had this done to a B years
ago. They had to leave the thick steel shim in place to get the correct dia. to bore them out.

Mike(NEOhio) · Mar 9, 2023

Use whatever you can find in the best condition. Either will work equally well. I have my 51 A apart right now and the rods show very little wear.
It was FIL's tractor. He was the third owner and used the UNICO brand oil and changed it regularly. I'm not familiar with insert types. With
shimmed babbitt you can adjust for the proper clearance. Unless you're planning to work it they can tolerate quite a bit of loose.

John Deere D · Mar 9, 2023

I have no experience with the John Deere A....

I've installed all connecting Rods in my John Deere D's (1939> ) with Insert shimmed shells.
If required, I do NOT have to pull a CONNECTING ROD to service the BIG ENDS...
My two cents.....
Bob..

HFP · Mar 9, 2023

As others have said, use what you can find in good shape. Since you have done the machine work and know the crank is good, my choice would be
insert bearings if I could find them. If your crank potentially had some wear, the babbit bearings are nice because they can be shimmed to take
some of that up.

Leroy · Mar 14, 2023

You can have one of each and it is fine that way.

Babbit rods or insert type rods

Tstoner

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NoDakInMN

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Mike M

Well-known Member

Mike(NEOhio)

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John Deere D

Well-known Member

HFP

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Leroy

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