WAYS TO WIDEN WHEELBASE?

Any ideas on widening a tractors wheelbase?
Ive seen many people just weld the tractor rim to another rim and some make spacers dang near a foot long. Guess if it works it works but I was thinkin more along the lines of extending the axles one way or the other and using a go kart bearing to add support or something.

you could get a axle from a transaxle that has an offset differential and take the longest axle out of it to replace the short one, I plan on doing this to my mower soon, as its axles are wayyyyy to short.

That's actually a neat idea. If you had a solid axle of whatever length you want, you can weld up some brackets for a few bearings out near the wheels. Then use some gears and chain to hook both of your axles from the transmission (which wouldn't have wheels on anymore) to your new axle. It would be locked and you could keep it close to stock height or lift if you wanted to. I've seen similar setups, maybe someone has a picture.

When I was studying up to start my racer build, I looked into how the pro's do it. Those that run transaxles do this:

From a steel supplier, purchase 1 1/4" steel tube, with a 1/4" wall thickness, which makes it 3/4" inside. (Alternatively, you can buy 1 1/4" hollow chromoly go kart axle with 3/4" ID. Cut a length of tube for each side. Slide over existing 3/4" axle shafts. Additional support at the outboard ends with a 1 1/4" pillow block or flange bearing is a must. There are multiple ways to fix the extension to the original axle, from welding to drilling and tapping for setscrews, through bolts, etc (although I don't like the idea of through bolts).

Then use 1 1/4" wheel hubs. The ones I have, have a 4-on-4 pattern. That pattern is very common, you'll have no problem finding wheels.

Note- for the avoidance of confusion- "wheelbase" is length. YOU want to increase track width.

Or you replace the axles and spider gear assembly with a straight through axles like us mowrons.

Cool. Most of these ideas sound like they will work for my FNR transaxles. But the main one I have in mind is my 2spd with 1" keyed axles. I like the solid axle idea so I can keep my wheels but im thinkin cheaper.
I wonder if I could use 1" keyed axle and use the trick Doc mentioned with a twist. Taking a peace of barstock with a 1" ID and cut it thru on one side, slide it over the axles bridging the two axles with a key way then welding the crap out of it. Then kart bearings for support.
Think it could work?

TheRainbowBoxer wrote:

Or you replace the axles and spider gear assembly with a straight through axles like us mowrons.

This is indeed an option (considering that I, too, am running a live axle) but I would definitely want additional bearing support at the outboard ends if widening.

tractor_guy wrote:

Cool. Most of these ideas sound like they will work for my FNR transaxles. But the main one I have in mind is my 2spd with 1" keyed axles. I like the solid axle idea so I can keep my wheels but im thinkin cheaper.
I wonder if I could use 1" keyed axle and use the trick Doc mentioned with a twist. Taking a peace of barstock with a 1" ID and cut it thru on one side, slide it over the axles bridging the two axles with a key way then welding the crap out of it. Then kart bearings for support.
Think it could work?

Ahh- I mentioned the 3/4" ID stuff, ASSuming your shafts were 3/4". As far as your idea above, I think I see what you're saying, and I can't see why you couldn't pull it off. I'd still be inclined to support it at the outboard ends with a pair of bearings if you're going significantly wider- but you could call it a game-day decision.

---I was thinkin about it last night. My track width is already 40" wide and the going plan is to put it on a smaller tractor with a 36" track width. So im thinkin widening 4" on each side would do it. Still not so wide I cant snake between trees but adding a lil stability when I get sideways on the hills. Hopefully it'll leave enough room for some kart brakes. Think it would still need support bearings?
---On a farther note, this opens up allot of ideas ive had. Like tractor based side by side/golf cart contraptions, a bigger mini jeep, transaxle and push mower powered 2 seater go kart, tractor powered rail buggy... well, the possibilities are endless really. Lol

For the front u can cut the axle in two places and weld some box steel to widen it to your application. Did it on my hot rod craftsman

Im workin on a front axle and steering design that'll have custom spindles, a widened axle, a custom gear box built from donor fnr transaxle, and a selectable locking axle.  

how about golf cart hubs on front and garden tractor hubs on back? It would also allow for wheelspacers and offset wheels. It may need to be fitted but would be worth it for all the tire/wheels combos.

I recommend just running stock if you can. the prob with your idea is that your going to stress the tranny to much and snap it in half.. trust me, ive broke 4 fnrs so far in 2.

tractor_guy wrote:

...a custom gear box built from donor fnr transaxle, and a selectable locking axle.  

---lol that was supposed to read... a custom steering box built from a donor fnr transaxle and a selectable locking front axle.

Sweet smooth steering lol