Front Axle Wedges

[tst]

I came up with some new type front axle wedges, was not intending to do this but it just kind of dawned on me when I saw the piece that I am using in the pictures, this is already pre made and takes only 5 minutes to modify it to work on the cub, you can buy this for $8 each at home depot, good hardware store, etc
This is a what is called in my area a "FERNCO" fitting, it is a pipe adapter to reduce a 4" pipe to 3", it is a nice thick piece of heavy rubber which is already the correct size to fit between the axle tube and steering housing, it needs only minor modification to work, 1st I cut about 1.5" out of it so it can now wrap around the axle tube, you will notice the ridges on the adapter it fits right in tight, but was hard to get back off so I just flattened the one spot by cutting the ridges off where it fits under the steering housing so it was easier to get in and out, it stays snug by itself and it has a ridge on one side so it cannot be pushed in to far, if you have a nice painted tractor nothing gets scratched and the rubber is hard enough but flexable enough not to move, if you like you can leave it sticking out enough to put a hose clamp around it and it will not go anywhere!
Tim

[ajhbike]

wow, fantastic idea, thanks

[redfin]

This appears to be a good ides, simple and to the point. I will try it out.

[coppersmythe]

I just had my septic tank "input" pipe fixed with a fernco . I guess it would work as a chock for the front axle . It seems it would be too "rubbery" . Did it work ? Coppersmythe.....................

[tst]

works for me

[coppersmythe]

good deal tim , i will give it a try . experience is gold . coppersmythe.........................................

[Gary Dotson]

I like that idea, Tim, simple but functional!

[Urbish]

I just had my septic tank "input" pipe fixed with a fernco . I guess it would work as a chock for the front axle . It seems it would be too "rubbery" . Did it work ? Coppersmythe.....................

Keep in mind that when people commonly refer to a 'Fernco', they are talking about a coupling sleeve which is flexible and rubbery as you say. Fernco is a brand name and many manufacturers make these types of products (people say Band Aids, but they're really adhesive bandages).

Anyway, the type of connector that Tim is showing (PIPECONX PCX 44U-305) is a compression joint sealer which is much thicker (and probably a higher durometer) than an inline coupling sleeve.

https://www.pipeconx.com/products/specialty-products/compression-joint-sealers-donuts/

Jim

[coppersmythe]

I looked but did not see . our plumbers used ferncos often at LSU . i helped install them at times when they were shorthanded . the name was used by them in a generic way , too . my wife keeps telling me to slooow down coppersmythe.................................PS; going to give tims idea a try , my wood wedges are getting wanky.

[Winfield Dave]

Great idea, Tim !!
Love the ingenuity.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

I have a question about the use of these being made of rubber. I have noticed that whne I use wooden wedges, if the tires are not pumped up a little hard the tires will have enough give for the bolts to be out of line when I reinstall. Will that be a problem with these sleeves?

[Stanton]

Great idea, Tim.

Barnyard: let's wait until all the comments are made, then incorporate this into the How To Forum.

[Jim Becker]

I have noticed that whne I use wooden wedges, if the tires are not pumped up a little hard the tires will have enough give for the bolts to be out of line when I reinstall.

That suggests that whatever type wedges you use, if you have a bit of alignment problem when you are reassembling, let some air out of one front tire to bring things in line.

[Barnyard]

Great idea, Tim.

Barnyard: let's wait until all the comments are made, then incorporate this into the How To Forum.

That's my plan.

[AL Farmall Boy]

Very good idea. I like that it fits around the axle and will not fall out. I'm pretty sure we have a bunch of these type couplers in a 20 ft trailer of plumbing supplies and tools we bought at an auction last year. Yes....a covered trailer FULL. If anyone needs a t-handle water valve key, I need to sell a few. We have around 50 brand new ones. haha. Bought the box trailer for storage and it came with contents.