71_Bronco 1,072 #1 Posted December 13, 2011 Just had a crazy idea, and thought I would see if anybody else has done it before. The front axle on the Suburbans sweep up by the spindles, and an RJ's front axle is straight across. Would it be possible to put a Suburban front axle on an RJ? I know the stud on the RJ would have to be lengthened to accommodate the thicker Suburban axle, and I'm sure a custom steering linkage would have to be made. Might be pretty cool, would drop the front end of the RJ and give it a rake to the overall stance. What say you guys? DISCLAIMER: No, I am not going to do this to my RJ, just had this idea and anted to see what people thought of it. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #2 Posted December 13, 2011 Uhhhh........ Wheel Horse beat you to it by 51 years. The cast front axle was introduced in 1960 because the previous design would break. Unfortunately, determined individuals were also breaking the "new" cast axle and a second design was introduced in 1963 - which (basically other than width) remained in use until the last "Classic" was built. Altering the front of the frame and installing a cast front axle on an RJ-58/59 is essentially what Wheel Horse did to make the 400/550 models for 1960. (yes, the hood & hoodstand are different too) It would be much easier to buy a 400/550/401/551. ;) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
71_Bronco 1,072 #3 Posted December 13, 2011 Wow TT, you never cease to amaze me with your wealth of knowledge. The thing I notice though, is the the "pivot" on the suburban is below the frame, where-as the RJ has the pivot in line with the frame so-to-speak. So in theory, installing the Suburban axle onto an RJ with the same pivot point, it should lower the front end a couple inches. You mentioned that the RJ axles would break. Can you shine a little more light on that? I am only using my RJ as a fun toy so-to-speak, so I wouldn't think I would break mine. Is there any way to strengthen the axle? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fireman 1,022 #4 Posted December 13, 2011 NIck, The front axle would break through either above or below the hole for the axle pivot. There isn't that much material there and a lot of bouncing of the front end over time would cause the axle to break in half. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
71_Bronco 1,072 #5 Posted December 13, 2011 NIck, The front axle would break through either above or below the hole for the axle pivot. There isn't that much material there and a lot of bouncing of the front end over time would cause the axle to break in half. Ah, I see. That makes sense. I did notice there was not much there when I was inspecting my RJ the other night. Would it be possible to weld a collar on each side of the axle, to build up the thickness of the metal? I understand it then wouldn't be "factory", but it would prevent any braking in the future. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #6 Posted December 13, 2011 Unless you continuously bounce the front wheels off the ground (hard), I really don't think it'll be a concern on a "fun toy" - as you called it. You would need to add material above & below the bolster pin, (pivot bolt) not on the front and back surface of the axle beam. As Jeff already stated, there wasn't much left once the pivot hole was machined in the beam. A few good bounces - especially if the tractor was fitted with the front hood weight - and the axle beam would go from straight to a "V" shape, ultimately ripping apart just below the pivot hole. The cast axle is too thick to hang out from the front of the frame by a single-side supported 1/2" bolt. With the added leverage, the bolt would probably just bend or shear off, or the axle may even break. The front frame redesign on the 1960 models placed the axle between two mounting plates under the front of the frame - just like your Bronco. Instead of jumping through all of those hoops to drop the front end, I would just install 6" front wheels. :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
71_Bronco 1,072 #7 Posted December 14, 2011 Unless you continuously bounce the front wheels off the ground (hard), I really don't think it'll be a concern on a "fun toy" - as you called it. You would need to add material above & below the bolster pin, (pivot bolt) not on the front and back surface of the axle beam. As Jeff already stated, there wasn't much left once the pivot hole was machined in the beam. A few good bounces - especially if the tractor was fitted with the front hood weight - and the axle beam would go from straight to a "V" shape, ultimately ripping apart just below the pivot hole. The cast axle is too thick to hang out from the front of the frame by a single-side supported 1/2" bolt. With the added leverage, the bolt would probably just bend or shear off, or the axle may even break. The front frame redesign on the 1960 models placed the axle between two mounting plates under the front of the frame - just like your Bronco. Instead of jumping through all of those hoops to drop the front end, I would just install 6" front wheels. Thanks. The tractor will be babied in my possession. It will be used, just not hard. Based on what I am hearing, I should be fine. If worse comes to worse, between the shop at work (machine shop), and the tools at home, I'm sure I could make a repro one with additional material where needed. I think I was just over-worrying it. And as to dropping the front end, I was thinking about smaller tires, but I think the stock, level, stance is what I am going to stick with. Thank again guys! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fireman 1,022 #8 Posted December 14, 2011 Nick, The odds of you breaking it is slim to none. I drove my RJ around the big show in PA 2 years in a row and at numerous shows and meet & greets around here and have never had a problem! Jeff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
