Ferguson TO30 Front Axle Support Housing

[OldFart187]

My '53 rehab project keeps throwing me curve balls. The latest one is the front axle support housing (see photo). The bores were egg shaped and I was getting ready to bore and sleeve it when I saw the notch. Shame on me. Should have noticed it sooner.

The notch in the housing thins the top loop section to only 0.28 thick x 0.8 wide. I'm told that gray iron isxweak in tension. Now why would Ferguson use that stuff?With my front end loader bucket full, it might snap. Too scary to think about. If it's gray cast iron, welding is probably out. Or maybe it isn't. Should I try to fix it or chuck it? Used ones are in the $500 range.

I suppose an option might be to add a 1/2" steel support plate on the inside, pin it to the housing and bore the assembly.

 

[Stan Coryell]

I wouldn't weld on it unless you can control the preheat and post-heat. Even then it may crack. I doubt that notch will ever give you a problem.

However, if it were me? I'd likely replace it since it's already apart and needs machine work.

 

[Phill Tibbetts]

My '53 rehab project keeps throwing me curve balls. The latest one is the front axle support housing (see photo). The bores were egg shaped and I was getting ready to bore and sleeve it when I saw the notch. Shame on me. Should have noticed it sooner.

The notch in the housing thins the top loop section to only 0.28 thick x 0.8 wide. I'm told that gray iron isxweak in tension. Now why would Ferguson use that stuff?With my front end loader bucket full, it might snap. Too scary to think about. If it's gray cast iron, welding is probably out. Or maybe it isn't. Should I try to fix it or chuck it? Used ones are in the $500 range.

I suppose an option might be to add a 1/2" steel support plate on the inside, pin it to the housing and bore the assembly.

I have a TO35 I'm junking because the engine threw a rod out the side of the block. You are probably a long way from central Maine though.

 

[OldFart187]

Thanks to all. I also noticed that the casting was bent so I gave up on the repair and ordered a new one, $575 with shipping and tax. The jury is still out if everything fits and works as it should. Recently had to return two defective parts, a clutch throw out bearing and a governor. Out of a dozen or so parts, two were defective so I'm getting wary. As an aside, after letting AI figure the loads on the front axle with and without the loader (yes, I cross checked the answer), the loader, arms and 500 lb payload puts an additional 1000+ lbs on that joint. Over a sharp bump and you might get 2000. I do have power steering so that will help but it looks like a rear ballast box with 500lb of sand is a good idea.

 

[OldFart187]

I received the new housing but it didn't fit so it's going back. An online search didn't find a new replacement, only used ones but I'm concerned that they may also have egg shaped holes. In the interim I filed my old one and it didn't cut like cast iron and it was moderately hard. I took it to a welder who did the grinder spark test and the color of the sparks confirmed it's cast steel and can be repaired by welding. I left it there for him to fill in the notch and weld reinforcing strips over the top. I'll bore it out and press in sleeves. More later.