JAinVA 4,629 #1 Posted June 13, 2020 (edited) I decided to upgrade the front wheels and spindles on the latest 312 to 8" rims and tires.This seems to be a popular thing to do so decent 8" rims can be difficult to find at an affordable price.With this in mind I chose a different path,The first step was to buy a 4 bolt hub kit and stub axles from the ROPS Shop.The axles were reduced in length so that the 1 1/4" section was just over 1/2" long.The remainders were chucked in the lathe and the big end was faced off to 1/2".While in the lathe a 3/4" hole was drilled stopping just short of the threaded area.The spindles were from a 417a.The axle end was in excellent condtion but one of them had some damage where the wheel mounts.The seller discounted them for this flaw but for what I had in mind this flaw was not an issue.The wheel portion was shortened by a 1/2" to make sure that it didnt bottom in the drilled hole.I wanted the big end to butt up to the spindle shoulder.I used emory paper to clean and roughen the spindle in preperation for the next step.I mixed a large amount of JB weld and with a popcycle stick applied a liberal dose to the bottom 2" of the 1" sleeve.I slathered JB weld on the last 2' of the spinde near the shoulder.The spindle was inserted in the 1" sleeve with a twisting motion to coat both surfaces and burp out the trapped air When the epoxy pushed out of the jonit between the two parts I wiped off the excess and set them aside to cure. Edited June 13, 2020 by JAinVA 5 10 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 63,175 #2 Posted June 13, 2020 Ya don’t say! What an idea Jim! I wouldn’t think to JB. Weld such an item together. Looks plenty strong! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,629 #3 Posted June 13, 2020 (edited) The assembly could be tacked welded at the joint but at 8 square inchs of bond surface i think it would be overkill. Edited June 13, 2020 by JAinVA 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 68,751 #4 Posted June 13, 2020 Nice work Jim. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
71_Bronco 1,072 #5 Posted June 13, 2020 Looks good, creative thinking 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,857 #7 Posted June 13, 2020 (edited) Did that back about 1989, but I went bigger and welded mine on. I welded them at two places back at the bend and between the bearing surfaces where I drilled a 1/2" hole. Edited June 13, 2020 by Lee1977 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greentored 3,217 #8 Posted June 15, 2020 Very nicely done! I did something similar on my 654 and drilled a hole in the 'bushing' and plug welded it to secure it. That was riding on bushings- dont think youll have any trouble with JB holding them in place, especially with the fact that youre running bearings. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,629 #9 Posted June 15, 2020 (edited) I had thought about tacking the spindle shoulder to the sleeve but since Detroit bonds cars together with epoxies i figured that with over 8 square inchs of bond surface that I'd see what happens.If it were something going down the road at 60 miles an hour I'd definitely add a weld but if something happens at mowing speeds, oh well. Edited June 15, 2020 by JAinVA 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
