Colt Case Ingersoll Garden Tractors

Hello everyone. Newbie here. I’m curious what everyone is using or has used to repair the play in their front axles? I like the recent kit I saw online with the longer than original equipment pin. It has 2 heavy plates that can be welded to the frame if the frame has been damaged. The long pin distributes the load over a lot more area than OE. Thanks for any replies. Paul

Wabasto wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 2:34 pm Hello everyone. Newbie here. I’m curious what everyone is using or has used to repair the play in their front axles? I like the recent kit I saw online with the longer than original equipment pin. It has 2 heavy plates that can be welded to the frame if the frame has been damaged. The long pin distributes the load over a lot more area than OE. Thanks for any replies. Paul

They are a great idea. Better than stock . Me I make my own as needed and bore the axle out to true up the pivot bore . That is one thing those kits don't address .
my 2 cents , you may keep the change .

@DavidBarkey Dave thanks for the tip about axil bore being egg shaped. It is definitely something to look into during the 646 backhoe restoration.

I don’t have the 446 apart yet. I was going to try and find some parts first. I don’t expect any wear in the axle. This thing has been gently used during its life. I only noticed the play in the axle when I had it jacked up when I was taking off the mower deck.
It’s not steering weird or anything like that. It’s a 446 that’s been used on level ground.
I understand that the pin can wear and resize the axle. Don’t get me wrong. You guys definitely know more than I do about these tractors.
The frame should be a little bit thicker and the pin a little bit longer to carry the load much better in my estimation. I guess it’s called under engineered. They got the majority of the stuff right though. Have a good day. Paul

Paul I’ve found with the GT on the ground I put my foot on the top of the front tire. Then move my foot putting pressure on the tire front to back in a rocking motion. Looking at the axle you can see how much play there is. I’ve used this method when looking at different GT’s. Hope this helps. Harry