966 wide front axle rebuild?

Meat man · Sep 1, 2009

I spent some time on Dad's 966 yesterday. We overhauled the front axle years ago, but it is totally worn out again.

The main problem with doing another rebuild is the ball and socket that holds the rear of the axle. If I recall correctly, the last time we worked on it, that was going to be the last time. We had to weld something or modify it in some way that it could not be rebuilt. It's been too many years to remember correctly.

Here's the question: Anyone have good information about how to make this front end any better? Any tips or tricks?

At one time I heard rumor that a guy could adapt over a different style front end that was stronger/better. I could be all wet on this.

Thanks

rustyfarmall · Sep 1, 2009

Those original IH wide front axles are pretty tough, but they do wear out eventually. The really good part is that any and all parts you might need are readily available, and you do not need to pay the high prices at the dealer.

mazemeister · Sep 1, 2009

My experience is on the 806 and 986, which have the 2 different styles. I think a 66 is the same as an 86. on the 806, the ball is welded to the wishbone. On the 986, the wishbone is cast, and the ball has a hex nut to hold it on. maybe you welded or brazed the ball to the wishbone. the ball is steel (hard), but the socket is cast (soft). So if that's where your play is (all shims removed and still sloppy), it may be that the socket is where most of the wear is.

Dan Paulson · Sep 1, 2009

If you are using it as a loader tractor they tend to wear out quickly,have 186 Hyd that we rebuilt on a yearly basis until bought a MFD tractor. You can get kits to adapt a Case 70 or 90 series front axle assemble to the older IH and JDs, I think Abilen Machine has the kits or they used to.

Meat man · Sep 2, 2009

Yes, I think we had to weld the ball on. If I recall correctly, the hole was out of round. I think the worst of it was that the socket was worn out. I don't recall if it is replaceable. I wished I had the tractor at home, it is difficult to look at it when it is 80 miles away. I guess I should cough up the $25 for the I&T manual.

I do remember we had a heck of a time getting the front pin out. Lots of heat and a big sledge hammer will teach a young kid how to cuss and how to properly mushroom the head of the pin.

Meat man · Sep 2, 2009

I may have to call Abilene Machine. That is where we got a lot of the original parts years ago. I was thinking someone told me an AC axle could be used, but Case makes more sense.

Anonymous-0 · Sep 3, 2009

On your axle check the main pivot pin and bushings, if they a worn you will extra force put on the stab ball causing it to come loose

966 wide front axle rebuild?

Meat man

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rustyfarmall

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mazemeister

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Dan Paulson

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Meat man

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Meat man

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Anonymous-0

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