Im hoping that the duels and some wheel weights will take care of any traction problems Jim. The front axle will still tilt as normal as well

Story of my life JD Terry
Trial and error is all part of my learning curve, i find out what works and what stands no chance of working

I did think about building a new front axle, if i can modify the king pins instead it will save a lot of work. And get me some 4x4 seat time sooner

It all looks good, but I don't think you'll get by with a single u joint. I think you'll either need to use a double U joint like Chevy used on the big car driveshafts in the mid 70's or a CV joint.
I think a single u joint will bind and snap when you turn.

Now there may be some drawings , maybe no board, but.... keep us updated, LOOKS good

I don't know what was funnier- WTF engineering, or Stig-o-matic!

Looking forward to watching this project progress though!

Kevin

Ian,
Is this the preface or introduction page or Chapter 1, "Coffee, Smokes, and Head Scratching". Or maybe, "Now What Am I Going to do With That Old Axle?"

I think your first Book, "Coffee, Smokes, and Snow Plows" should be on Oprah's book list.

I don't know Jim. The Dana 44 and Dana 60 front ends under the chevy and dodge play toys I've owned over the years have a single u joint on each side. If the axles moved up and down like an IFS it would definatelyu need doubles, but built like that I think it will be fine. They will just have to be in line with the king pins so they pivot in the same spot.

I think we need to see if Ron Popeil wants involved in this too.

Joel,
I thought about that after I posted it. I've owned a lot of 4x4's that had a single U joint in the front end. Most of them had a pretty big turning radius though. They didn't turn nearly as tight as the newer ones with CV's in the front.
My wife had a Jeep grand cherokee that had a single joint at each steering knuckle and turned pretty short, but it also ate u joints like nothing I've ever seen.
The single u joints would probably work if you didn't turn it too sharp.
Jim

Now you boys is putting to much high powered thinkin into this. What you need to do is take the kids go cart engine with cintrifugal clutch and mount it up front off to the side. Now when you need 4x4 just fire that briggs up and there ya go.



Seriously Ian if you can work out the mechanical bits and thingys in this project the tractor will be a wicked machine.

Nick

Nick.......
That's not as crazy as you think!
The thought of running a belt from the PTO clutch down to the front axle has been discussed before. If you need a little help to get through a tough spot, have it "geared" to match a specific speed in the transaxle (like 2nd high), let the clutch out and kick the PTO in for front wheel assist!

Terry,

You'd need fenders and mudflaps up front!

Resourceful thinking though...

Kevin

I was thinking more like a helmet with a face shield! (and maybe some of that motorcross body armor! )

Terry,
I was just messing with you and Ian but I guess it might work. At a national Vintage garden tractor show a few years ago I saw a tractor that had been made into a 4x4 but didnt keep pictures of it. From what I can remember he cut down some kind of smaller front drive axle for it. I cant remember how he got power to the drive shaft or even what brand tractor it was.
They dont worry about gearing but the mud racers just chain drive the driveshaft to the front axle without a transfer case.

Nick

I still like the looks of this -- even if it's not a Wheel Horse.

Been trying to get pop to make his 100 that way for a couple months now...

but, he's stuck on the "original/factory" thing. I guess I can't blame him.

Kevin