Wide Front End Headaches (Long)

I've been dreadin' this chore and naturally, I saved the worse part for last (takin' the slop outta the front end, along with the prior owner's patch job) and something just doesn't seem right with this one 'cause it doesn't turn sharp enough and just doesn't "feel" right.

It feels like an old M or H factory wide frontend when ya turn. Feels like something is wacko in the geometry of the thing. Won't spin around on one wheel like it should and seems to take more brake to bring 'er around. Too big of a turning radius, 'er something even tho the steering arm is coming all the way to the stops.

Steering arm and tie rods all are okay and are twins to my 686. Has the nicest power steering of any tractor I've ever owned.

When did IH start the cast center tube on the small frames?

This one is a '74 and it has a steel tube. Is it correct? Or should it have the cast center with the cast wishbone?

I'm wondering if maybe the prior owner put the wrong front end under it? Did the 656s have a steel tube? I can't remember. :>(

Allan

It seems like it won't turn sharp enough, it's too short for the geometry.

I'll measure those arms tomorrow.

However, the radius arms on the large frames have got to be different than on the small framed tractors.

This is a picture of my 686. The front bolt on the Hydro 70's trunion mount lines up 2" rearward placing it directly under the motor mount. Cannot put a bolt to it because the engine is in the way.

I don't have to tell you how Barney Be-Devil and his trusty welder handled that little problem. I'm cutting the welds out now. :>)

Thing of it is, the old sow drives like a dream; just doesn't turn short enough. :>(

Thanks for your help,

Allan

Now, I really, really, REALLY suspect this is a "throw together" tractor from a salvage yard.

Further, I suspect it came from the same darned place that tried to sell me the 806 3-point hitch too. 'Cause, to quote them, "They are all the same". Betcha I got the 806 front end too. :>(

Signed,

Dummy

I'll get the old beast straightened out.

But, I'm sittin' here running all this thru my mind and it is all coming together as a "picture" the longer I think about it. :>(

The 3-point hitch out of the salvage yard was part of a "trade deal" with the guy I bought the tractor from, The loader was welded on the tractor, there isn't a matchin' tire on the the old joker, it has a replacement engine, and now this front end gizmo. Me thinks me gots a heinz 57 here.

Ignorance is bliss and I gotta tell ya, I sure felt better before I talked to you boys tonight. :>)

Allan

I'll get the old beast straightened out.

But, I'm sittin' here running all this thru my mind and it is all coming together as a "picture" the longer I think about it. :>(

The 3-point hitch out of the salvage yard was part of a "trade deal" with the guy I bought the tractor from, The loader was welded on the tractor, there isn't a matchin' tire on the the old joker, it has a replacement engine, and now this front end gizmo. Me thinks me gots a heinz 57 here.

Ignorance is bliss and I gotta tell ya, I sure felt better before I talked to you boys tonight. :>)

Allan

The front bolts on that back ball bolster come up right at the motor/side rail mounting. I really don't wanna show you how the prior owner and his welder cobbled that mess up! :>(

Allan

That looks just like the one under my 856. I can't make it turn sharp enough for me either. when you get it figured out let me know!! :-)

Rob

I've never had a tractor act like this. That old 656 I had would spin around on a dime and hand ya some change.

It just irritates me. :>(

Allan

Does this thing look like a front end off of an old 400 or 560? It just does not look right to me, that's fer sure.

Allan

That would sure explain it then 'cause they are both large frame tractors with a bigger turning radius.

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

Allan