Fast Hitch Removal

[Dale Finch]

I took the '55 Cub that's been in the garage (Betty) out for a run today, in preparation for her return to the farm. I knew the brakes were questionable, but had planned on working her a bit before I tackled them, since she has a fast hitch installed, making final removal a bit more complicated. However, after driving her around the neighborhood a bit, I decided to just finish the job now.

I have wrestled fast hitches off before, but I never seem to remember the proper sequence for unbolting things. I think I did it correctly this time, only to realize the rear wheels are set to 40", and there is not enough room to get the hitch out from between the 2 finals!!

So unless someone knows a magic trick for this (I did searches like crazy, to no avail), I guess tomorrow I will unstrap the now disjointed fast hitch, and go ahead and remove one final, slide out the fast hitch, work on the brake, change the 2 seals (final & differential), check the gear oil level (probably remove the pan, clean and replace it with new gasket), reassemble that side and move on to the other.

Oh well...it's too wet and cold here to really do much at the farm anyway...might as well "JUST DO IT"!!

P.S. I did find the INSTALLATION MANUAL for the fast hitch, and found they never mention the wheel width required to attach it, but did notice the right wheel was NOT on in the installation photos. Should have made me wonder then, right??!!

[Peter Person]

Dale,
Mine at 44” ctc was tricky. Had to go in at a diagonal and not chip my powdercoated rims.
40” ctc, ain’t gonna happen assembled. As Don has suggested many times, take it apart.

[Yogie]

It won't come out by just removing a rear wheel to let it clear ?

[Peter Person]

It won't come out by just removing a rear wheel to let it clear ?

Yogie, yes removing a rear wheel will allow it to clear, just need to chock the front axle.

[Dale Finch]

Yes, it will...but I already have the FH unbolted, supported with my engine hoist. Now I'll have to disconnect the hoist, letting the FH flop down so I can use the hoist to raise the right side and remove the right tire/rim. Once I get the FH out, I'll just continue with the brake work. (Will wedge the front axle & then crib things up after FH is out of the way)

Yep! The good news is that during this time of limited socializing, I have so many "fun" tasks to keep my busy!!

[SamsFarm]

Looks like this gentleman has his tread on the 44 inch setting when doing his fast hitch install.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=109803

[Dale Finch]

Yes, another of the old posts I found DID determine that 44" is what you need. The poster ended up first swapping tires/rims which gave him the 44", THEN removed the FH.

Thanks, ya'll!! It'll work out!

[Yogie]

Dale, set at 40 inches that thing would roll over sitting in my driveway.

[Dale Finch]

I successfully removed the right wheel, then the fast hitch, then the right final. Just started cleaning it up...the brake lining looks good, but oil soaked. I will burn the oil off and check everything out.

Has anyone ever replaced the differential seal with the axle extension on? Not sure it's possible but thought I'd ask.