Re: Question on Delta red?s Frankentractor

DeltaRed

Well-known Member
The radiator is taller,the frame rail is a 'fuzz' longer,MD throttle is different.governor control arm is different from gas M400 hydraulic tank is taller......The M grill wont fit,400 radiator is too tall. The old M radiator is junk,so the 400 radiator is being used. The MD flywheel was stolen,useing the 400 flywheel,lpto pressure plate,MD clutch disk......This not going to be just a simple parts swap
 
the rear of the engine,frame rails do bolt up perfectly.After that,things get more complicated. Like you,I thought it was going to be a simple parts swap.
 
I have seen your work first person, you will be fine. The pain is temporary, and it keeps you doing constructive things and happy. Jim
 
Some frame rails may have a little different cut on ends and a few other things, but they are all the same length from rear to bolster bolt holes. Different lengths ahead of clutch housings are caused by different bolsters. Look at MD, SMD and SMTA, SMTAD, 400, 400D, 450 and 450D bolsters and you will see the bolt holes for frame rails extend back more from vertical steering shaft and the bolster casting up rights compared to a M and SM. This places the radiator more forward for diesel engine space. IH got around to standardizing bolsters on the SMTA to 450. That's why a SMTA gas hood needed to be longer. Gas and diesels bolsters were the same except for some hand crank parts. MD and SMD bolster were the same dimensions as the SMTA to 450 without corner holes. SMTA to 450 bolsters were used as a replacement part for MD bolsters at one time.
 
Over thinking things I don't think so.His project will come together.This spring I mated a 1951 M front half to 1957 450 with a bad engine,put 400 hood tins on I had in my stash and made a very usable tractor with live pto,live hydraulics and fast hitch.I have ground feed for my dairy herd all year with it and moved some round bales with it.As long as he is happy that is all that matters.Scott
 
Whatever, guys. If you want to get all worked up like you're building the space shuttle, that's your prerogative. You should be able to work out the handful of minor issues in a couple of afternoons and in the end have a perfectly serviceable tractor. Really, it's not that big of a deal.
 
Things can be different in different parts of the US. In my area or myself it would be simpler to repair the 400 transmission or rear and keep it all 400. But not knowing all about the rest of the 400 I have no idea what's best for Delta. Passed through Delta reds county a couple of weeks ago and wishing I could contact him.
 
D Slater while I agree it would be far ahead to fix 400 we do not know the extent of things with it.I have had many projects or the years that some have said it can't be done.That drives me to make it work.How many people have told me or you wouldn't it be simpler to find another tractor.I have and Erickson skid steer which is the same as a CL40 Ford that I repowered with a 4-108 perkins.Back 1993 I bought a 450 diesel that was ugly and did not run with rotted tires and rims went through injection pump,injectors,clutch,brakes etc but did not have to touch engine.After many years of hard use I have to go though ta again.I get long winded sometimes when it comes to goodies.Have a good day.Scott
 

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