Tool Measures Distance Between Front Wheels On Tractors, Cars, And Pickups

Tool Measures Distance Between Front Wheels On Tractors, Cars, And Pickups FARM SHOP Maintenance 25-1-28 Veryl Reiher, Gillespie, Ill.: "I came up with a tool to help me measure the distance between front wheels on tractors, cars, and pickups, etc., so that I can make correct adjustments to tie rods. I used a 40-in. length of lightweight 1/4-in. dia. pipe and a 3-ft. long, 5/16-in. threaded Redi-bolt with a nut on it. The Redi-bolt telescopes into the pipe. "The distance between the front wheels ahead of the axle should generally be 1/8 in. less than the distance behind the axle. I measure the distance between the front wheels by loosening the nut and placing the pipe and Redi-bolt between the wheels, then running the nut down against the pipe. When I move the pipe and Redi-bolt behind the axle, there should be a 1/8-in. gap between the end of the Redi-bolt and the tire. This slight amount of tow-in is needed in order to prevent the tractor from wandering and also to save unnecessary wear on tires. It works a lot better than using a tape measure, and it costs far less than commercial units designed to do the same job."

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