Axle Pivot Pin Removal - How Bad is It ?

How bad is it to remove the front axle pin on a 1950 Ford 8n? I'm sure it hasn't been removed in 72 years since it was first assembled. I've noticed that there is some play / a gap that could use a couple of shim washers in there that causes the axle to rock forward when you jack it up off the ground. I would like to slide the pin out and fill the gap with some shim washers.

You may want to replace the bushing and pivot pin once you have it out. I replaced mine and it wasn't that bad of a job the worst part for me was removing the Wagner Loader. I also had to replace the center axle due to over weight on the loader over the years. I bought the pin and bushing from this sight, the center axle was used.

(quoted from post at 13:46:12 09/21/22) How bad is it to remove the front axle pin on a 1950 Ford 8n? I'm sure it hasn't been removed in 72 years since it was first assembled. I've noticed that there is some play / a gap that could use a couple of shim washers in there that causes the axle to rock forward when you jack it up off the ground. I would like to slide the pin out and fill the gap with some shim washers.

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It varies greatly. Some come out easily - others are a major demo job. Personally some play is normal and unless you like trouble I would suggest living with it.

TOH

(quoted from post at 23:53:46 09/21/22)

(quoted from post at 13:46:12 09/21/22) How bad is it to remove the front axle pin on a 1950 Ford 8n? I'm sure it hasn't been removed in 72 years since it was first assembled. I've noticed that there is some play / a gap that could use a couple of shim washers in there that causes the axle to rock forward when you jack it up off the ground. I would like to slide the pin out and fill the gap with some shim washers.

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It varies greatly. Some come out easily - others are a major demo job. Personally some play is normal and unless you like trouble I would suggest living with it.

TOH

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The tractor is currently stripped down (no hood, fan, or radiator) from being recently painted. I didn't know if it would take act of congress to get the old pin out or take heat. Since it is painted, I wanted to know the best tips to get it out.

(quoted from post at 18:08:54 09/21/22)
The tractor is currently stripped down (no hood, fan, or radiator) from being recently painted. I didn't know if it would take act of congress to get the old pin out or take heat. [b:2492f559ba][u:2492f559ba][i:2492f559ba]Since it is painted, I wanted to know the best tips to get it out[/i:2492f559ba][/u:2492f559ba][/b:2492f559ba]

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Pray it's one of the easier ones

Otherwise one or more of the following pull, push, cut, heat, beat etc.

Flembo and TOH told you right.
You want some play there. The axle needs to pivot freely, and if the front axle width is changed the axle will move slightly forward or rearward. Your radius rods and tie rods should be holding it secure once all bolted back up.

All that being said, almost all these old tractors would benefit from new pin & bushing there. You're probably closer to being there for the R&R then you'll ever be again.

(quoted from post at 10:46:12 09/21/22) How bad is it to remove the front axle pin on a 1950 Ford 8n? I'm sure it hasn't been removed in 72 years since it was first assembled. I've noticed that there is some play / a gap that could use a couple of shim washers in there that causes the axle to rock forward when you jack it up off the ground. I would like to slide the pin out and fill the gap with some shim washers.

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My pin was not rusted in. In fact the pin retaining bolt was missing.(1/2 x 1-1/4 NF) I think I see bushings in there. Washer shims are 1-3/4 inside holes I need to make 2 more. Ford should have set it up with a grease zerk.

Conventional wisdom is NOT to put shims on the axle pivot as the axle needs to move fore and aft as it tilts and the radius rods move through their arc.

Not a bad idea to replace the ''pin'' and bushing in the center section of the axle if they are worn.

I just did the on on my 49 this past weekend. I snapped the
head off the bolt that holds the pin, it didnt matter though
because I was replacing the entire axle/radiator support as
the original was bent and I couldnt get the new radiator
mounted straight and square. The pin was replaced in 1966.
Both it and the bushing had amazingly little wear so I didnt replace pin or bushing. I will
probably use the new ones on the 51 when I start on it. I
sprayed some PB Blaster on the old one and used the crank
handle like the manual suggested and it came right out. I
was able to use all but one spacer when I reassembled it.

RTR - If you are this close you should do it. As stated you will need a new pin plus the bushing in the axle. Sometimes they are also wallowed out in the axle support. May take some work and time but you will be glad once its done. Will never need to do it again.

(quoted from post at 10:46:12 09/21/22) Ford should have set it up with a grease zerk.

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General consensus is Ford purposely did not want grease there as it would collect dirt. Unless constantly flushed out with new grease, the grit would wear the pin and bushing more than not having any grease at all.