Ford 2000

[ray hofstetter]

Not my tractor, I just have to keep it running. 1963 Ford
2000 gas, 4 cyl. Guy who owns the company I work for
brushhogs nearly 50 acres every year. He's 80 and doesn't
belong on a tractor. Not his age, just no tractor savy. His son
and everyone else that runs the Ford is the same way. I've
pulled this tractor (and others) out of creeks, swamps and
ravines. Last year radiator was leaking and beyond repair,
installed new one. One week later they drove it into ravine
and the front axel pivoted so high it shoved lower radiator
hose into fan, also broke bottom radiator outlet. Radiator
shop fixed the outlet and they were good 'til this year.
They've done the same thing, but this year I don't see how
they flexed the axle that far, no hills ar ravines in sight.
Question is:Should the front axle pivot that high?
 

[Ultradog MN]

I'm less familiar with the 4 bangers but a couple of thoughts.
Could the center hole and or pivot pin be badly worn so the axle lifts a bit higher.
Also, some of those center axles have a top and a bottom to them. The 8Ns do as I recently found out. If the axle was installed upside down it would pivot too high.
 

[souNdguy]

as ud said.. the pivot pin and or bore may be excessively wallowed / worn.

correct fix is obvious.. re bush and pin if worn.

bandaid fix is to weld a big haex nut at axle pivot stops to limit upward travel of axle. many front mount N owners do this to prevent stering arms from hitting right side alts that hang out wide and low, and / or the dizzy cap from being broke from rotating axle.