The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Hi there
Has anybody got a good tombstone for sale for a Super Major. Can collect North of England preferred
Cheers Andy

Make sure it has a good hole for the front axle pin (no play) otherwise there is the first type used with the MK2 radiator, and the late type with extra mountings for the final radiator. If the pin hole isn't good you might find it's easier and cheaper to repair your current one.
Sandy

Hi there Sandy, the problem with repairing my old one is that I haven't got one. The tractor is a 1962 Super Major with a major tombstone and front axle. I realise I will have to drill and bush the axle for a larger pin
Cheers Andy

From this I assume you have the MK2 radiator with 5 fins per inch and holes 18 1/8" apart, used from 1425097 to 08B-767403. If not it won't fit properly (from 08B-767403 the mounting was changed to have holes 10 1/4 " apart, with a new front casting to take it) or not cool properly if it's a 10 fin per inch radiator (pre 1425097). I recommend you get another axle beam as well as the casting is very slightly different between Major and Super Major.
Sandy

Hi there, thanks for the info, didn't realise axles were slightly different apart from the pin hole size. Having already refurbished the axle new kingpin bushes etc. if I drill the hole out can I make the axle fit?
Cheers Andy

It will fit, but don't be sure about it holding. Remember the axle beam is totally independent of the extensions that house the spindles (Three 1 1/2" bolts and nuts each), so you can get a Super Major beam and keep the extensions as you have them.
Sandy

Tried loosening the bolts as the axle is one hole wider than standard but these bolts are stuck and I mean struck. Solution is gas axe plenty of heat and try to get them separated
Cheers Andy

Before you do that, bathe them in lubricant for several days, using heat will mean the bolts will require heat treatments as they will no longer behave as intended. If you can't heat treat them you'll need replacements, again, only if you need to heat them to get them off.
There are lots of wheel track settings but all of them must have the extensions placed symmetrically, otherwise the axle is loaded more on one side.
Sandy

Hi Sandy, When I said it was one hole out on axle width I meant it's one hole out on both sides.
Cheers Andy

Hi,

If you need to undo the bolts it might be best to find new nuts first. Then try to cut the old ones as far as possible and then chisel them of.

Rgds emiel