How To: Trailer Hub Conversion/Upgrade For 520H

[Rexemouse 88]

I just completed a hub conversion on my 312-8 with 520 front end.  Being unable to find 520 front wheels, I decided to go with trailer hubs.  I could not find a good write up on the swap, so I am posting this for anyone who wants to do this swap.  All parts (minus tires) came to about $100, so the conversion is around the same price as a set of clean 520 rims.

Parts List

-Trailer Hub Kit, I bought this off Ebay From Elgin Trailer Parts, This includes 2X 1000lb 4 bolt trailer hubs, bearings, 1" x 1.25" seals, and dust caps.  (Fits BT8 1" spindle)  Cost- 57$ shipped
-Wheels, I ordered 5-3/8 x 8 rims (standard for 400 series).  A big benefit to trailer hubs is that they accommodate a wide variety of rims/tire sizes.  These hubs use a 4 x 4" bolt circle. Cost- 32$ shipped
-Spindle Washers, 1" x 1.5" flat washer, 14ga or 18ga.  I bought these from lowes but These can be sourced anywhere.  Qty 2 needed.
-Hub End Washers, .75" x 1.25" flat washer, 14ga or 18ga.  I bought these from lowes but These can be sourced anywhere.  Qty 2 needed.
-Bronze Sleeve Bearing, 1" ID x 1.25" OD x .5" Long, I bought these from Mcmaster-Carr P/N 6391K281 Qty 2 needed.
-3/4-16 Slotted Lock Nut, Mine were missing. I bought these from Mcmaster-Carr P/N 95030A270,  Qty 2 needed, Sold in 10 pack.

Installation is straight forward. The pictures pretty much sum up the steps. The bearing need to be hand packed with grease before assembly.  Install the inner bearing before inserting the seal. The hub nuts are not intended to be torques very hard.  Just snug them up and install the correct size cotter pin.  The hubs are very smooth and solid.  I am very happy with the results.

Thanks,

-Justin

 

 

[callum12 256]

looks really good! 
when i did mine i welded the hub spindle to the WH spindle, i would imagine your method is preferred by most people because its bolt on. 
do you have any side to side play? from what it looks like in your third picture the WH spindle protrudes from the hub bearing.
callum

[Rexemouse 88]

There is no play side to side as these are tapered bearings.  The third picture just shows the loose nut and wash on the end.  Once tightened, the dust cap provided with the hubs fully covers the nut and cotter pin.  The hubs go together like they were meant for these spindle.

[callum12 256]

ah ok i see, i thought the washer what the WH spindle! 

[Wheel-N-It 2,969]

Overall a very interesting project. Looks good!

[shallowwatersailor 3,213]

Thanks for the nice explanation! I'm glad that I suggested this option to you. It makes me all the more anxious to heal so that I can get about again and maybe try a hub conversion on a 5xi.

Edited July 5, 2015 by shallowwatersailor

[lawnboy63 18]

Looks like a nice setup. Where did you buy the wheels from?

[Rexemouse 88]

EBay. description is " New 5-3/8 x 8 4 Hole Trailer & Cart Wheel Rim"
seller was millertireco

[dennist 139]

Justin, Nice job and it looks great.

[MyOtherCarisaWheel Horse 10]

I'm thinking of going this route on my 520H only because my original front tires are shot and I kinda like the look of the bolt on setup.  I would use some kind of acorn nut to hide the stud threads though. I thought there was a swap for the front spindle from another wheel horse for the 520 that allowed for the bolt on swap using studs that threaded into the hub, like the old VW's if anyone remembers those.

 

Kudos to Rexemouse for the use of a Hemostat to clamp off the hydraulic line... we ain't dealing wit no shade tree mechanic here boys!

[Hukah 17]

I wouldn't do this to my 522, but my SB-421 is a definite candidate.
Thanks for the tip.

Edited May 13, 2016 by Hukah
spell correct

[KrazeyOlDave 860]

Excellent work and write up!!! 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[chex313 123]

As long as the thread been brought up from the archive...

 I thank you too..

[AMC RULES 37,134]

It's an oldie but a goodie! 👍👍

[Lee1977 6,766]

Tapered bearing trailer hubs are the way to go. I did my C-120 in 1989 bought hubs spindles wheels with tires from Northern Tool. I've only had to tighten the spindle nuts one time since. 

[KrazeyOlDave 860]

53 minutes ago, Lee1977 said:

Tapered bearing trailer hubs are the way to go. I did my C-120 in 1989 bought hubs spindles wheels with tires from Northern Tool. I've only had to tighten the spindle nuts one time since. 

Do you have a front photo? I’m curious of how much wider it made it

[KrazeyOlDave 860]

I just happened to have a trailer set under my bench, hilarious! I’ll buy these AG tires and run with it.

[Lee1977 6,766]

2 hours ago, KrazeyOlDave said:

Do you have a front photo? I’m curious of how much wider it made it

I added about 3/4" width to each side from the original wheel stop to the backside of the trailer hub..

These are 3500 # spindles 1 3/8" bearings on the back side. The total width of the front tread is 36".

I cut the trailer spindles 3/4" past the rear seal area. Then drilled the spindle 3/4" diameter, cut half of the WH  spindle off.

I cross drilled the trailer spindle 1/2" on one side between the bearing surfaces and welded to the end of the WH spindle..

The back side is also welded to the original spindle. 

Edited November 8, 2020 by Lee1977

[Stormin 9,981]

I've done the same with my C-121 Black Horse ploughing tractor and C-125 general worker.

 

 

[KrazeyOlDave 860]

3 hours ago, Stormin said:

I've done the same with my C-121 Black Horse ploughing tractor and C-125 general worker.

 

Nice!!!!!