Hi all,

I'm a new member but long time lurker.. I have a 1962 Cessna 182E and a recently obtained a heavy duty nose fork/strut from a 310.

The 310 fork block torque link attachment is 3/8" with a AN176 close tolerance bolt. My 182 torque link uses the standard AN4 (1/4") bolt.

Options I have thought of:

1. Use a 3/8 od to 1/4 id bushing on the Nose Fork block and use the AN4 hardware currently installed.

2. Replace the bushings on the lower torque to use the AN176 bolt that came with the block or maybe a AN6 bolt but would have to source the spacer (metal sleeve between bolt & bushings on torque link) - McFarlane lists that part at $473 OUCH! I can probably go back to the aircraft salvage yard and find that part, kicking myself for not asking for it originally. Still an unknown if the larger bushings will fit in the 182 lower torque link that I have. Lots of unknowns at this point until I start getting parts together...

Option 1 more closely resembles what the 182 parts manual depicts for my airplane and would be the easiest option.

For those who have used the fork/block off a 310, how did your lower torque link attach? Other Ideas?


And for those wondering, I'm going to use 800-6 tires for the mains and have a good 600-6 tire/rim I got with the fork. All in I think I will spend less than $1500 for this set up which I am very happy with. I fly off pavement but want to explore some Northern California and Nevada off airport landing areas.

I've rambled long enough... Thanks in advance for imput

I ran into this issue also, when installing the Airglas fork. The bushing were available from McFarlane for fairly cheap, I wanna say less than $40. The $400+ dollar part you found is an entire rebuild kit I’m guessing. I made mention of this in the article I wrote a few years ago:

https://backcountrypilot.org/knowledge-base/aircraft/modifications/167-cessna-heavy-duty-nosewheel-fork

Jeredp wrote:I ran into this issue also, when installing the Airglas fork. The bushing were available from McFarlane for fairly cheap, I wanna say less than $40. The $400+ dollar part you found is an entire rebuild kit I’m guessing. I made mention of this in the article I wrote a few years ago: https://backcountrypilot.org/knowledge-base/aircraft/modifications/167-cessna-heavy-duty-nosewheel-fork

I did read your article... funny that I have the same problem in reverse... No foolin' that spacer is expensive https://www.mcfarlaneaviation.com/produ ... 0841004-7/

I'm gunna mess with it this weekend and see if I can come up with something my mechanic is willing to sign off on...

Thanks

Curious if you're installing per an STC, a service letter, going by a previous field approval, getting your own field approval, or just making it up as you go as a minor alteration?
I would think you'd have to comply with some sort of approved / accepted data for it to be signed off.

hotrod180 wrote:Curious if you're installing per an STC, a service letter, going by a previous field approval, getting your own field approval, or just making it up as you go as a minor alteration?
I would think you'd have to comply with some sort of approved / accepted data for it to be signed off.

I want to keep it as close as I can to the authorized Cessna heavy duty fork option for my serial number and keep it as a log book entry if at all possible.

Definitely looking for approved/accepted data from members here that have made this conversion.

What did you end up doing? I’m curious because I’m facing the EXACT same issue. I don’t believe a simple bushing swap will work. I think the bushing O.D. Is dramatically different. I’d rather use the 310 link but there’s no way it’s legal.........

I did this...same model and all. The OP didn't have any interest in it. Option 1. You can machine the oilite adapter bushing or buy it, and use decent grade 5 or higher fender washers.