What is it and how do I fix it?

[ljc61801]

Supposedly, it is a 1950s era IH running gear. I found some pics online that look similar enough. 687 W & something else on the wheels. 8 bolt. Found some things online that said its from a IH #6 farm truck. Googling for that wasn't very helpful, was there a more specific name for the model?

Anyway. Naturally the thing sways like a beast going down the road at anywhere over 20 mph. For some reason I was under the impression that I would be able to go at the blazing speed of closer to 40 mph. Maybe not?

So there were some theories that the wire handle-like thing in picture 4--which looks simply welded on to me--might "lock" the front wheels into not steering which allegedly caused the sway. I think it's worn out parts in the axle. I know that one of the rear wheels on the driver's side had a definite negative camber going down the road.

Anyone have any advice for troubleshooting? Where do I start? What is it? I do have a good metal fabricator who works at a great hourly rate but I've found that since he has no agricultural background, I need to be specific in my instructions.

 

[DeeDubya]

Pick up the tongue and move it side-to-side. If there is very much play, I'd say more than 4", then you're going to have sway. The faster you go the more it will sway. Also, check the wheel bearings, especially the front. Grab the top of the wheel and shake it in and out. A loose or wornout bearing will be evident and could also cause sway. I'm not aware that wheel camber can be adjusted on a trailer nor would I know why.

 

[600rider]

Um thats a hay wagon!!!!:laughing:
I dont know anything about them but I believe the sway is from the "toe" I didn't see any adjustment in the pics unless it is on the king pins them self, Usualy there is an adjustment on the tierod but yours are flat bar with no screw threads on the ends.

 

[Bill 55]

It is a hay wagon and it is going to sway, was never meant to be pulled at 40 MPH on the highway, I bet in the field you will never notice the sway.

 

[sweettractors]

Take off 1 of the wheel grease caps. IH did make some wagon gears with caged straight roller bearings on the spindles (not tapered bearings). If these are designed that way, there could be "play" in the spindles causing poor tracking. Ken Sweet

 

[ljc61801]

Pick up the tongue and move it side-to-side. If there is very much play, I'd say more than 4", then you're going to have sway. The faster you go the more it will sway. Also, check the wheel bearings, especially the front. Grab the top of the wheel and shake it in and out. A loose or wornout bearing will be evident and could also cause sway. I'm not aware that wheel camber can be adjusted on a trailer nor would I know why.

OK I did both of these tests before I bought it and felt like it did decent. I went home and moved the tongue... oh pretty much exactly 4" of movement at the end before the wheels move. Doh! Is there a way to fix this?

I tried shaking the wheels--it makes the entire rack shake. Worn out bearings would mean I could move the wheel before moving the rack, right?

I kept googling for more info on what it was...did find some guys bragging going @ 60 mph (with JD racks?). I'd settle for 30? Yeah, I know I need some self-control but it was hard keeping the speed that low--would not want to make that mistake w/a full rack.