Harbor Freight Wagon Spindle Improvement - Red Wagon w/Garden Wagon Suspension Modification

Learn how to improve the Spindle Pivot Joints on the Stiles Automotive Modified Harbor Freight, Red Bigfoot Panel Wagon with the Steel Mesh Deck (Garden) Wagon components. This also works to improve the Steel Mesh Deck Wagon in an unmodified configuration. To make a much better wagon. My design allows you to improve the wagon suspension with a little fabrication, you only have to drill 3/4” Diameter Holes in Wagon Spindle Pivot Holes and then install 5/8” ID x 3/4" OD Flanged Bushings. Easily completed by anyone. If you can assemble a Harbor Freight Wagon, you can do this Spindle Joint Modification. I am so happy with the results of this change.
Recommended Tools:
Pliers, Channel Lock - Channellock TOOL ROLL 6pc Precision Plier Set amzn.to/2LroTnh
Combination Wrench, 19 mm (for the Garden Wagon Spindle Nuts)
2x Combination Wrench, 1/2” (for New SS Bolts and Nuts)
File, Round
¾” Drill Bit
C-Clamp or equal (to help press in the bushing)
Consumables:
Bigfoot Panel Wagon, Harbor Freight, Item Number 69693
and
Steel Mesh Deck Wagon, Harbor Freight, Item Number 60359
4 x Bushing, Flanged, Bronze, Hillman Group 58104, 5/8 X 3/4 X 1 X 3/4-Inch
Grease, Synthetic, 16 oz Can amzn.to/2XFr5Lx
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My Channel - - / @stilesautomotive
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Disclaimer: The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. Due to factors beyond the control of the author, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. The author assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. The author recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of the author, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not the author. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge the author or anyone affiliated with the author or video, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

[@krystalhari3445]

I love what you are doing to this wagon. Are you interested in making them to sell?

[@StilesAutomotive]

Krystal, If these Wagon videos generate enough interest, I might be willing to make and sell a few. - Stiles

[@trallvarg8724]

on the other hand you should have utilized UHMW flanged bushings where NO lube produkt would be called for........ [ a much cleaner & longer lasting approach]

[@StilesAutomotive]

Trallvarg, Yep, True UHMW material would have worked good in this application, this has very low forces for the size of Bushing. Of course the bronze will last a long time too, even if you are washing the Wagon and washing the Grease out of the Bushing. You can easily hit each Bushing with a drop of Oil. I don't wash the Wagon that often and I have not relubed them. I appreciate the comment, and hope that it helps someone else out in the future! - Stiles

[@trallvarg8724]

@@StilesAutomotive the WEAK point of that steering assemby is the yoke that is essentially "glorified sheet metal av some thickness", impregnated bushings don't utilize grease but usually oil as the "lube" agent. grease absorbs water where OIL DOES NOT and grease literally klogs the nano pores of those said type bearings. "Teflon bushings are a good choice for applications where self-lubrication, temperature resistance, and wear resistance are important factors, while bronze bushings are a good choice for heavy-duty applications where high load capacity is needed" ....... "Teflon Bushing has been proven to last longer than oil-impregnated sintered bronze bearings, saving users up to 60% in maintenance costs.Teflon Bushing has replaced bronze in thousands of applications in a wide variety of industries, including agricultural machinery, lawn mowers, medical equipment, food processing machinery, fitness equipment, and pumps and valves." .......... "Teflon Bushing material can also withstand high temperatures and high load carrying for up to short periods of time. Other benefits include low wear rates, quiet operation, high load capacity, and resistance to chemicals, dust, UV and corrosion. A wide variety of Teflon Bushing bushing materials are available to meet the requirements of virtually any application." ........ PLUS, anyone talented with a lathe & having access to PTFE roll stock kan produce desired bushings to spec while avoiding the loss of the scrap steel utilized in the fabrication of those tabs welded to the bent 5/8 roll stock. ........

[@jackgabbert3233]

Hello,
Did you ever find any better bearings to replace the loose ones in the wheel hub?
Regards,
Jack

[@StilesAutomotive]

Jack, No I haven't worked on that yet. You are right the Wheel Bearings are pretty sloppy.
I should have started with a better wagon. The Northern Tool Garden Wagon that I have had for 20 or more years is the same basic design, but made much better. I haven't changed anything on it and nothing is loose like the Harbor Freight Wagon(s). - Stiles