Axle Spindle Spline Problem/Solutions for 664/656

We have a 664 on the farm that the spindle splines are worn causing steering problem. The spindle nuts are tight as possible and still have way to much play.

The 664 has basically the same wide front as 656 utility, only real difference is the 664 is D-239 powered. It is still a great running straight tractor that tough as nails,just no where near a beauty queen.Perfect tractor for turning 6ft high briers and scrub into a beautiful field.

The 664 is used mainly used as a mowing tractor a couple times a year these days.

Been researching this forum for solutions and have 5 possible solutions. I"ll list the below. I would appreciate it greatly if anyone with experience with this problem would chime in with their advise.

Here we go.

1-Buy new spindles and steering arms. I try to always to fix things "right" but since its not my personal tractor and used couple times a year this probably would be overkill if a suitable repair is available.

2-Weld the spindles to the steering arms. Only down side is that"s a pretty drastic solution.

3-Use JB Weld or other liquid metal product on spindle splines, reassemble and let it cure a week or so before using. Not sure if its strong enough to handle the loads at the spline/steering arm interface. Also,sort of semi-permanent.

4-Use shim stock between splines and arm. Then tighten nut down good. Maybe good starting point since its not permanent before moving on to other choices. Question on type shim stock. Looks like my choices are shim stock are stainless,steel and brass. Which would work best for this?

5- Drill through arm and spindle and drive in 5/16 pin to lock them together.Possible downside is the spindle probably going to be pretty near impossible to get a hole through.

Thats all the options I can think of.
If someone has any experience or advise with any of these solutions,your comments pro or con would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
BMD

Here is what I have done many times on these steering arms. I believe you have the steering spindle with the snap ring on spindle below arm. Later style spindles had a helix style spline that when you tighten the nut it actually will tighten, kind of like a tapered spline but not quite. They are better but still can get worn loose if not kept tight. Anyway, I take the arm, slice it vertically on front, weld a heavy spacer on each side of split and put a 5/8th inch fine threaded bolt through spacers and tighten bolt clamping arm tight to splines. You need good heavy spacers. Have seen 3/4 inch bolts used also. The quality of the weld is very important.