DillonZ 4 #1 Posted July 21, 2020 I am new to tractor restoration. I just got a 551 Suburban as my first project. One of the previous owners put Calcium in the front wheels. Over the years I’m sure you can imagine what my rims look like... I’m having trouble finding replacement wheels for the front. Also when I went to remove the front wheels one side had the c clip and the other side had a bolt holding the wheel on. It appears the axle either broke at the clip slot or they lost the clip and it it off and drilled and tapped for a bolt. Anyway are there any reproduction front axles or does anyone know where I can get used ones? Thanks! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,929 #2 Posted July 21, 2020 @DillonZ You've found the friendliest, helpful tractor site around. Your rims probable came from the factory with the calcium in them for weight. 1958,59 RJ's and 1960,61 Suburbans use the same front rims. But good ones are become hard to find due to the exact problem you've found. Post a wanted in the classified section, they show up from time to time. Post some pictures of the rims and rusted areas/holes. Several of us on here have repaired they by welding. if your a good welder, some have even found another rusted rim and cut out the good areas and patched them in. I've repaired some Suburban rims with pin holes with JB weld and used a tube. If you can sand blast them clean, or derust then in an E-tank there's a good chance we can walk you through a repair I've also repaired some David Bradley front rims with fiberglass and JB weld, and then used a tube. Derusted in an E-tank and buffed clean I used Duct tape to make a "form or dam" Used fiberglass cloth and JB weld..You can but large tubes of JB weld at Tractor Supply, etc. After some sanding with a belt sander, and a little more final filling small areas with more JB weld and some final sanding and painting the outside looks perfect. Also the inside is now plenty smooth for a tube 6 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 27,918 #3 Posted July 21, 2020 (edited) On your front axles, the one with the c-clip holding the wheel on is correct, the one with the bolt holding the wheel on is a better idea. Most later model 's use a bolt to hold the wheel on. Personally, I would drill & tap the one that has the c-clip also. Later model front rims will work on your Suburban but you may have to put axle spacers behind them. Please share some pictures of your project as you go a long. Edited July 21, 2020 by Achto Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DillonZ 4 #5 Posted July 21, 2020 This is the only picture I have right now. Thanks for the info guys. 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 63,204 #6 Posted July 29, 2020 Nice tractor! Is that your Harley Davidson too? How do you like the mini apes? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
