Well, the new spindle finally got here last Tuesday, which is when I discovered that just because they sell a spindle assembly that
INCLUDES A NEW BLADE, it doesn't mean they are nice enough to also include a new blade
NUT 
- fortunately I already had a couple extras
They also didn't bother to include the 4 self-tapping 5/16-18 bolts that hold the spindle on the deck, but the last time I worked on this thing I decided not to trust those on the spindle I worked on - shoulda done ALL of them MY way then.
Being anxious to murder the grass before I needed a baler, I finished up the welded mount my way, then checked the other two spindles and
both were LOOSE. Tightened them up some (carefully, self tapped holes in aluminum) and knocked the grass/weeds back down for a while.
Today I'm cutting out two more "patches" (see earlier pics) and the next time I have the deck off the other two spindles will get the same treatment.
Not trusting aluminum castings/self tapping bolts any more than I do stamped steel decks, my method is to tap the holes in a spindle to 5/16-18, then use longer grade 8 bolts that will reach thru the spindle housing and allow a flat/lock/nut on the back - then I torque the bolts in the aluminum (never siezed) to spec (20 ft lb if the aluminum is at least twice as thick as the diameter of the bolt, and they are) - then comes flat washer, lock washer, nut.
Finally I hold the bolt head so it can't back out, and torque the added nuts.
For those who haven't messed with aluminum much, it's not a good idea to put a lock washer in direct contact with aluminum - harder alloys might be OK, but usually a lock washer will bite into the aluminum too much and you will lose part of the torque/bolt stretch it was designed for. That's why I use a steel washer first, then the lock.
BTW, the deck cut just fine, even sounded a bit quieter - that's my story and I'm stickin' to it
Later... Steve
