I just joined this site today and am enjoying the reads, particularly about nose forks and bigger tires.

I (my Mechanic) installed a 310 fork with a 6.00X6 this year on my '59 182. Approval wasn't that bad.

My main reason is for more prop clearance.

Another mechanic with some 45 years as a pilot and A&P didn't think it was a good idea because of extra stress on the firewall.

I am suprised I have never read anything about reinforcing the fire wall either here or in Cessna.org. Then again I'm not surprised....thinking about what's involved.

In any case I keep about 3.5" strut extention and taxi my plane habitually (yolk back) as if I was always in soft field conditions.

My thought is be careful about how those bigger tires make you feel.

Thanks,

Steve-o

Welcome Steve-o

Good thinking,

Cessna does make a reinforcement kit for the firewall. It was a repair part for years if there was damage to the firewall.

They are a good idea if your plunking down on the nose.

With good technique you will probably do fine.

The bending stress due to more weight etc is easily given up for the ability to role over that hole, avoid digging in and buying a prop and engine tear down. Oh and maybe getting the firewall damaged.

Steve,
How's about an updated pic of 28T with the bigger fork?

Anyone know the part number for the reinforcing kit? I'm installing the Airglas nose fork now in my '56 182 and this would be a great time to think about the kit. Thanks.

Also, a common backcountry mod is to split a piece of heavy rubber hose, approximately the inside diameter of the nose strut. Cut this piece of hose to about 3 or 4 inches in length. Split it, and slip it over the exposed nose strut. Put a couple of hose clamps around it to hold it in position.

This piece of hose will help to prevent bottoming the nose strut, regardless of inflation.

MTV

When I asked this question I was told to bolt and not rivet the upper strut mount to the firewall.I was told to use an angle doubler at the tunnel flange inside(at the flange where the bolts will come thru) riveted to the tunnel and to use a piece of angle riveted across the firewall above the tunnel and tie them all together.

The only nose gear failure I have seen ripped that upper mount off the firewall.It just peeled it off the rivets.Bolting it made a lot of sense to me.
If there is a kit from Cessna I would also be interested in the number.

Bill

I've seen the radiator hose mod on Cessna nosewheel gear. I've also seen some Cessna's that have a coil spring in place on the nose strut. I don't know if that's a bootleg deal like the rad hose or if t's an approved mod. That might be better than the hose-- progressive resistance versus coming up suddenly against the sorta mushy hose.
I also seem to recall hearing about a mkod to tie the firewall to the MLG gearbox structure, to beef things up for rough field work. Is that the repair kit mentioned above?

Eric

I just installed the Airglas HD Nose Fork on my '56 C182 with 6.00 x 8.00's all around. The install looks great, but prompts two questions: (1) where would I find a recommendation for the tire pressures to run; and (2) how much clearance do I need between the brake caliper and the main tires?Right now I can run a piece of paper between the caliper and tire and that's about it. I'm afraid that when I land and expand the tires I'll get unwanted rubbing. I asked Airglas about it before I bought the kit and they said not to worry, it'll fit what you have. Any thoughts? Thanks.

On the 182B that I used to have, I ran 700's on the mains and I think that is about as big as I would ever go with stock wheels or Cleveland replacements. With paper clearances as you touch down, I think that the squish of the tire would cause rubbing on the calipers.

You could put chalk on your tires and do a few landings and see if it rubs off. Better yet, if the chalk will blow off go to a lumber yard and get some lumber crayon and do the same.

Of course, Landis guys should know what they are doing. Still it is your responsibility to make sure it is safe.

Tim

I think I would want a washer and maybe a longer bolt if needed between the brake disk and the wheel to get a little extra clearance. I wouldn't want paper thin clearance. It may work until you get that little bit of side load from landing on an off camber surface, or touch down with a little lateral drift from a cross wind, and well you know what happens.

steve-o wrote: .........
I (my Mechanic) installed a 310 fork with a 6.00X6 this year on my '59 182. Approval wasn't that bad. ...................... Steve-o

You need an oversized fork on these airplanes just t run a 600x6? What is the standard issue nosewheel assembly-- 500x5? I never thought of a 600x6 as an "oversiezed" tire--eegads!
What fork do you need to run an 800 or 850 like I've seen on some?

Eric

I spoke today with the guys at Alaskan Bushwheels and they thought a spacer between the wheels and brake drums should do the trick. So, I went ahead and order their kit. I'll report back on how it works. In the meantime, thanks for all the great replies.

To clear up something said earlier, the Landes STC allows "up to" 8.50's" so it's perfectly legal to run 6.00's, 7.00's, 8.00's or 8.50's, so long as you run the same size tires all around.

Came across this thread while searching for info. I have a bone stock 182 G and a new motor coming for it in July. I plan on eventually adding a Sportsman STOL, bigger nose fork and tires and playing off road.
I’m looking for experienced feedback on Acorn’s sea plane mount and SA17-98-KIT for firewall beef up. Are those two things worth doing when the motor is out and what else will help make up for that embarrassing nose wheel?

Welcome, Getting the nose wheel just off (full aft yoke from start) as soon as possible and mains on (full flaps, some power, and full aft yoke) as slow as possible (well below Vso) really helps. The main design of the airplane is to fly. Rolling on the ground is secondary.

The pilot applies stress to the airframe.

Use good piloting skills and a big nose wheel is a real blessing.

Unless all you ever do is land on pavement.

MTV

On the acorn fire will beef up kit: Yes if you have the engine out you should buy all means do that.

The folks at acorn are awesome, and thank God they're making the kit as no one else does anymore.

It'll definitely pay off in resale, and give you peace of mind, even if your technique is perfect.