Front Axle and Spindles

[jay bee 896]

Can anyone tell me the difference in spindles between a 1978 C Series and a 1996 300 Series tractor?  The axle number 5638 is the same but the spindles have different numbers. 
1978  RH 105967    LH 105968

1996  RH 113382    LH 113381

Will the ‘78 wheels fit on the ‘96 spindles?

Is there a difference in camber or caster between the two different spindles?

What potential problems in putting 1996 300-Series spindles on a 1978 C-Series axle?

Thanks,

Jim

 

 

[lynnmor 7,303]

Perhaps the height is different to accommodate different size tires?  Just one thing to check.

[jay bee 896]

53 minutes ago, lynnmor said:

Perhaps the height is different to accommodate different size tires?  Just one thing to check.

Good thought. I’ll have to check that. 

[ebinmaine 67,398]

Two things come to mind for me. 

As mentioned above by @lynnmor the wheel DIAMETER could be different. 

 

I use spindles from a tractor with 6" wheels on purpose for my woods tractor because they're an inch taller. 

That MAY affect ride height for mowing but may be OK. 

 

The other thing is that I've had spindles from one series of tractor not work in the wheels of another. 

I don't remember which way that went. New spindles/ old wheels or vice versa. 

It was to do with wheel width and spindle length. Too long a spindle is easily solved with spacers. 

 

If you're installing the spindles AND wheels from the newer rig I don't see an issue.  

 

 

[jay bee 896]

3 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

Two things come to mind for me. 

As mentioned above by @lynnmor the wheel DIAMETER could be different. 

 

I use spindles from a tractor with 6" wheels on purpose for my woods tractor because they're an inch taller. 

That MAY affect ride height for mowing but may be OK. 

 

The other thing is that I've had spindles from one series of tractor not work in the wheels of another. 

I don't remember which way that went. New spindles/ old wheels or vice versa. 

It was to do with wheel width and spindle length. Too long a spindle is easily solved with spacers. 

 

If you're installing the spindles AND wheels from the newer rig I don't see an issue.  

 

 

Thanks Eric. Nope not installing spindles AND wheels from the ‘96 onto the ‘78. Wanting to put just the axle and spindles from the ‘96 on to the ‘78 and still use the wheels from the ‘78. Only drawback is the axle and spindles are in Michigan and the tractor and wheels are in Ohio. If I had everything side by side this would be less of a problem but I’m trying to avoid a problem when the parts do all get together. 

 

 

[ebinmaine 67,398]

1 minute ago, jay bee said:

Thanks Eric. Nope not installing spindles AND wheels from the ‘96 onto the ‘78. Wanting to put just the axle and spindles from the ‘96 on to the ‘78 and still use the wheels from the ‘78. Only drawback is the axle and spindles are in Michigan and the tractor and wheels are in Ohio. If I had everything side by side this would be less of a problem but I’m trying to avoid a problem when the parts do all get together. 

 

 

 

 

Any way to have someone measure the 1996 spindles?

[jay bee 896]

I have the axle and spindles here with me. Also was able to compare the ‘96 spindle with a ‘79 spindle that I have and it looks like the only difference is ride height by 1/2 inch. By putting the ‘96 axle and spindles on the ‘78 and using the ‘78 wheels and tires, the front on the tractor will sit 1/2 inch lower. The only other difference I see is the newer spindle uses a cotter pin and the older spindle uses an E-clip to hold the wheel on the spindle. So I think the problem is solved. 

Edited September 3 by jay bee

[Lee1977 6,655]

I have two 312-8 tractors with the tall front spindles with 8" wheels  and triribs.. The one with the 23 x 10.50 x12 rear tires there isn't any trouble attaching a deck.

The other has been raised in the rear with 25 x 900 x 12 putting a deck on it I have to block up the deck to get the deck attached. The deck will need to be releveled on both.

Here is a picture of the 312-8 with the 42" deck and 10.50 rear tires. Yes it got a little dry early this year.

The other tractor I used for ground work, but I can put a deck on it If it need it.

[Lee1977 6,655]

Both tractors have the tall spindle and I have reinforced both sets. 

Edited September 4 by Lee1977

[953 nut 55,164]

As you had guessed the taller spindles were needed to compensate for the smaller 6" rim/tires. I have changed out the spindles and 8" rim/tires from a 400 series on my 310 and didn't have to adjust the mower deck at all.