What's best, new or used front wheel spindle for 8N?

EmmettDave · Jun 13, 2022

I see both are available. Is a new, after-market spindle a good idea, or is a used OEM spindle a safer bet?

Also, since tractor is in field where spindle broke, I'm tempted to skip replacing the spindle bushings...is this reasonable to do? (I will of course put in new thrust bearing. It's not like I use this tractor every day--more like weekly, for brief jobs.)

RogerinIowa · Jun 13, 2022

Jack up broken side. Put wedge between axle center and support on broken side. Drive on three wheels to work area, carefully.
I would buy new. Maybe better design, stronger,

Bill(Wis) · Jun 13, 2022

Although I doubt it would make much difference between the longevity of new versus old parts, it is doubtful that anything made today would match the strength of the old Ford made steel. Henry Ford directed early experiments with vanadium steel that led him to build the hottest blast furnaces on the planet. Ford driveshafts are still used for big long crowbars.

EmmettDave · Jun 13, 2022

That's interesting, Bill. Why am I not surprised to hear that about old Henry? Thanks!

EmmettDave · Jun 13, 2022

Thanks Roger. Just ordered a new one. Will give your 3-legged dog tractor-driving advice a try now or later! Sounds like fun...

Bill(Wis) · Jun 13, 2022

It started back when Henry Ford inquired of his in-house metal expert, Charles Sorenson from Denmark, as to why french axle spindles were so strong and yet so slender. ''Cast Iron Charlie'' told him that the French ran hotter furnaces. Henry immediately contacted the Vanadium Steel company in Ohio and told them he wanted a batch ran at a certain temperature. They told him that would be too hot. It might melt their furnace down. HF told them to do it and if their furnace melted down he would buy them a new one. They did as requested and it proved that Cast Iron Charlie was correct. And, the furnace didn't melt down. When Henry built The Rouge he installed ''The hottest Blast furnaces on the Planet''. Henry Ford didn't bestow titles on anyone except his son, Edsel, whom he appointed as the President of the Ford Motor Company. When Cast Iron Charlie complained and asked: ''What's my title around here''? Henry told him not to worry about titles and ''just get out there and run the plant''. It would be up to Alfred P Sloan of General Motors to bestow pyramidic titles on managers.

Richard G. · Jun 13, 2022

I have 2 of those driveshafts.
One in my 17 Model T and one in my shop that gets used all the time moving stuff.

Richard G. · Jun 13, 2022

The front axle on a Model T looks spindly, but I have heard you could wrap one around a tree and then straighten it out and still use it.

RogerinIowa · Jun 15, 2022

If you have an implement on the rear, leave it attached for counter balance, if on 3 point hitch.

What's best, new or used front wheel spindle for 8N?

EmmettDave

Member

RogerinIowa

Member

Bill(Wis)

Well-known Member

EmmettDave

Member

EmmettDave

Member

Bill(Wis)

Well-known Member

Richard G.

Well-known Member

Richard G.

Well-known Member

RogerinIowa

Member

Similar threads