Swept front axle

[Wheelhorse84 87]

What is involved with replacing a 160 stock front axle with a swept one from a 520? Do you have to change the whole steering set up or can you just bolt on the new axle?

[Hodge71 664]

I'm not 100% positive but if I remember there were 2 versions of the swept axle. 1 was standard the second had gear reduction steering. I beleive the standard axle will swap over with no problems. If its supposed to have gear reduction steering you will need to swao everything over. There are a few who have done this swap already so I'm sure someone with more experience in this instance will chime in soon. Good luck to you in your swap !!

[kpinnc 12,743]

With either steering type- reduction or not, you will have to at a minimum swap the lower steering shaft (that the tie-rods attach to), tie rods, spindles, axle, and front wheels due to having 1-inch diameter spindles. The wheels use a much larger OD bearing that will not fit standard 8- inch wheels.

If the donor 520 had reduction steering, you will have to swap everything under the steering wheel to make it work. On those models, the fan gear on the lower shaft is not compatible with the star gear on a standard shaft. You'll have to get the upper shaft, reduction gears, and everything else.

[smoreau 658]

I have a non gear reduced fan gear from a 90 520 that had the forward swept axle that I would sell you CHEEP!! I don't have the tie rods, but the fan gear and mount and steering shaft.

[Wheelhorse84 87]

So all I would need is the tie rods ? Where are you located?

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,359]

I swapped the front end on mine with one from 520 with gear reduction. I had 2 things other than bolting right on:

1- I had to drill 2 extra holes in the frame for the gear fan box.

2- I had to slightly modifiy the lift "ear" if ai remember right I had to heat and bend it a bit.

Overall not a difficult job and I love the results !

[smoreau 658]

c series PM sent

stevebo I'm still on your 3 point.

[Hydro 131]

I swapped out the front end and steering in my tractor as well. 314H to 520. I also cut the steering wheel shaft about an inch in order to keep the steering wheel the same height. The steering gear with the reduction is higher than the original. When I did that I also had to re drill the shaft for proper placement of the pin. You may not have the same pin as my 88 416 did not have it. It has an adjustable collar to secure it in the tower. I'm really happy with the results.

[Wheelhorse84 87]

So I guess my new question is can I leave my existing steering in place and just replace the axle? I dont care about the gear reduction, I just want the wider front axle.

[smoreau 658]

Check your pms C series

[smoreau 658]

Here are some pics of the fan gear from a 1990 520H with standard steering and a forward swept axle.

If you want it $10 plus shipping or use the pics to make yours work.

[Hydro 131]

I thought about doing the same thing as you are asking. You would have to remove your steering shaft as shown in the pics above and re drill it to fit the new steering arms. It can be done but I would just buy the part from Scott and change it out.

I really like the gear reduction steering, it's pretty awesome. I would do that again in a heart beat.

[squonk 41,604]

Besides gear reduction and the heavier wheels what is the advantage of the swap? I was mowing along my fence with my 160 and was thinking a swept axle would give the tractor a wider foot print making it harder to mow close to a fence. The frt. wheels would stick out farther then the sides of the deck or am I wrong on this. Also would the 520 axle cause you to need a different snowplow frame because the wheels are farther out plus farther ahead? :scratchead:

[AMC RULES 37,141]

Humm...

Some things I hadn't considered. :popcorn:

[Wheelhorse84 87]

Good point, didnt consider that

[baerpath 517]

Another option is a WH loader front axle not forward swept or wider, but has bearings like a 520 axle and heavier braced 3/4 spindles.

Duane

[Hydro 131]

The swept axle increases your overall length about 2 1/2 or 3 inches and width by about 4 inches depending on the tire. My 416 is 36" wide or thereabouts and the 516 is 40".

I have to lengthen the snow plow/dozer blade in order to fully angle the plow. If you are doing a lot of mowing around stuff the wider front end does not allow you to carve in as tight. I used to have a 416 & a 520 both with 48" decks. I liked mowing with the 416 because it was narrower and there was more deck out beyond the wheels for me to get in a little closer.

I thought about the conversion because of what I said above but decided to do it anyway. It was nice with the weight of the 2 stage blower. I like the wider stance too when I mow my ditch.

[AMC RULES 37,141]

Good food for thought, thanks for sharing the insight Gary. :text-goodpost:

[kpinnc 12,743]

Besides gear reduction and the heavier wheels what is the advantage of the swap? I was mowing along my fence with my 160 and was thinking a swept axle would give the tractor a wider foot print making it harder to mow close to a fence. The frt. wheels would stick out farther then the sides of the deck or am I wrong on this. Also would the 520 axle cause you to need a different snowplow frame because the wheels are farther out plus farther ahead?

Yes, the 520 with the swept axle has a wider and longer footprint. Mine has a 48-inch deck, and it cuts as close to obstacles as my 310-8 with the 42-inch deck. It also seems to have a slightly tighter turning radius, so I have not had any problems there. The longer wheelbase is a far smoother ride as well.

You don't need a longer snowplow frame, but you will need to purchase or fabricate an adapter so the blade can index fully.

If you have the parts for the swap, it's definitely worth it.

[Hydro 131]

"You don't need a longer snowplow frame, but you will need to purchase or fabricate an adapter so the blade can index fully"

Not sure what you mean by an adapter? I know there was an extension kit for the 520 which was offered. Kelly says they're hard to come by. In effect didn't it just lengthen the frame? Rather than do that I was going to cut and weld into the plow frame and then move the lift point back. I would probably have to make an adjustment to the blade lever as well.

[smoreau 658]

It will be a different pivot lever, and yes it does just move the plow forward. If you don't change the lever or modify it, it will hit the pto and will be to far to reach.

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,489]

"You don't need a longer snowplow frame, but you will need to purchase or fabricate an adapter so the blade can index fully"

I know there was an extension kit for the 520 which was offered. Kelly says they're hard to come by.

If one of you guys does this swap I have a complete 520 plow extension kit just kicking around here.....just saying.... .

Mike............

[Hydro 131]

It will be a different pivot lever, and yes it does just move the plow forward. If you don't change the lever or modify it, it will hit the pto and will be to far to reach.

Thanks Scott, I have one of the newer style lever arms that sweeps way out to go around the newer style PTO cover, I thinks it's ugly and I was going to change the shape of that anyhow.

[dodge78 90]

Does anyone have a measurement from the bottom of the rod to the holes?

[smoreau 658]