differences in 180 gear

[haberman]

I am going to install a c180 gear on my 170A and would like some opinions on whick one to use. The 0741001-1 -2 or the -3 -4? Major differences(besides its harder to find -1 -2)? Thanks.

Kevin
49' 170A
TX

[blueldr]

The length of the -1,-2.-3,and-4 landing gear legs is apparently the same. The -3 and-4 legs have the center line of the axles moved forward 3 3/4" to compensate for the heavier engine and CS prop. The later C-180's used a gear common with the C-185 which was apparently a heavier gear.

[170C]

Well, inquiring minds have to know----this subject has probably been asked before (hope I haven't already asked it here myself ),but somebody PLEASE explain to me why would anyone want to or need to put C-180 gear legs on a 170? I must admit that I have pretty limited experience flying 170's. I have quite a bit in my 170-C (C-172 w/ Bolen tailwheel conversion) and of course it has Bolen's own spring gear design which, as best I can determine is not the gear from some other aircraft, and I would guess that it would be considered a pretty stiff gear. I might understand putting 180 gear on a 170 IF you put a 180 Lyc , IO-360 Cont. or Franklin conversion with a CS prop (quite a bit more weight on the nose). But the 170 was designed to use the normal gear although there were some changes made in it along the way. Prop clearance shouldn't be an issue with any of the cs props. Ground handling and landing shouldn't be an issue once a pilot has mastered (if there is such a thing) the 170. I 'v heard it said that the 170 gear is squirrely--I don't buy that. Also heard 170 gear is so springie (is that a word ) it bounces you back into the air. I don't buy any of those arguments (but am willing to be convinced if in fact there is truth to these statements). So fellow 170 folks give this Doubting Thomas some input. Heck, maybe I need to put 180 gear on my bird and don't know it.

[Dave Clark]

Heck, maybe I need to put 180 gear on my bird and don't know it.

Have you ever flown the Lady Legs or the 180 gear? Maybe that woould be a good first step.

There's a very good recent post on the different 180 gearlegs, do a search.

Boy this subject gets beat to death here

[blueldr]

Either the "Lady Legs" or the C-180 gear is a great deal stiffer than the gear used on the airplanes thru about mid 1953 when the "Lady Legs" became standard. Once you have used them, I can't immagine anyone wanting to go back to the early style gear. The ground handling is greately improved in all phases.

[Chris Christensen]

I already have 180 legs on my 170-B, also Lyc. 180 hp w. CS prop. Actually they are 185 legs as they are 13/16 instead of 3/4.

My problem is finding "authorization" for 180 legs on a 170-B.Did it possibly come with the Lyc. 0-360 & CS Prop conversion ?!?

Does anyone know of an STC or some 337 copy ?!?

Main problem is that I want to go to 26" Bushwheels, and that STC is primarily for the 180 legs. SO, need to legitimitize ?!? my legs first.

Any hope / help will be greatly appreciated.

Also about 90% done with my Harry Delicker "LOng Range fuel tank conversion

[blueldr]

If you have no STC or 337 for the installation of the C-180 gear on your airplane, there may possibly be a record of the installation available from the FUZZ (FAA) in OK City. You can get a CD of your aircraft records for
$5.00.
If that doesn't solve your problem, you may have to spend the $200.00
for the STC to legitemize your bird.
I'd just as soon fly a bastard airplane and spend the money on beer or gasoline.