multimike, Jim said he did have a little trouble with the gears bending and that in the beginning they were too low for grass fields.
I think he lowered them a little more. rryman built his on a separate plate that bolted up to the original plate and could be adjusted up or down via slots in the secondary plates. As far as what your talking (writing) about, I would'nt make the single common axle. I believe there would be even less give or "spring" in the gear design, and how would you adjust the height if needed. Now I'm going the expensive route, but then again...isn't it what this hobby is all about... GOD I LOVE IT. Pictures for a sneak peek of the mains.