Front Axle Question on Ford 4400 Utility Tractor

[andrewgjd70]

Hello, I am looking at buying a 1972 Ford 4400 Utility tractor with loader. The front end has some issues. I am told it was converted to four wheel drive at one point. Then the four wheel drive axle housing blew apart and they had to weld the front hubs on because the original front end was scraped?? Is it possible to get a front end for this tractor? I have done some searching online and found nothing. Would a light front end from an AG 4000 tractor fit?

 

[Midniteoyl]

It would fit if you had all the pieces, but, it wouldn't last very long if you are using the loader..

 

[Soundguy]

uh really?

4000 front ends are fine for loader work.

it was the light duty 3000 and 4000 su front ends that used radius rods that did not hold up to laoder work.

4000 ag front ends work fine. of course an industrial fixed would be stronger.. but nothing wrong with the regular 4xxx front end.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Stand corrected.. thought it was the 5000 series that was ok..

 

[Soundguy]

here are pics of my 4600.. same front axle as a 4000.. you can see it is the non radius rod style

http://photos.yesterdaystractors.com/gallery/uptest/a38358.jpg

http://photos.yesterdaystractors.com/gallery/uptest/a33608.jpg

now here is my 5000 noce the similar front axle and heavy cast bolster design..

http://www.tractorshed.com/gallery/tphotos/a34310.jpg

http://photos.yesterdaystractors.com/gallery/uptest/a17480.jpg

 

[Midniteoyl]

Ya.. I was just remembering seeing a 4000 and 5000 together and noticing just how much beefier they are compared to the 3000 series. I remember saying to myself that it was a serious step up going from a 3000 to 4000

However, going with either a AG or Utility front end, I would choose the Utility. But thats me..

 

[Soundguy]

and if you say a 4000 su.. there is a big difference. the SU uses the old tech light duty 3000 / radius rod front end that has basically been around since 1939