Elenco 4x4 on Ford 801 Swap

cphillips · Sep 10, 2019

I have recently acquired a rough looking ford 801 with a
loader and elenco 4x4. I plan on getting a better 801 and
restoring it with the 4x4 unit. My question is whether or not
anything is different in the rear end or transmission on the
tractor to accommodate the 4x4, ie do I need to take any
internal parts out of my parts tractor that is already 4x4? Also
I?ve seen some pictures of elenco units with locking hubs and
was wondering what model hubs work on this axle. It is my
understanding it is a cut down surplus military axle.

Thanks

Cole

WayneIA · Sep 11, 2019

Can't answer you on the hub situation but you will need to split the tractors to retrieve and install the sprocket/drive shaft and install the chain

Kirk-NJ · Sep 11, 2019

As WayneIA said you will have to split the tractor for driveline connector. You will also need to relocate your parts for the PTO. Don?t think the elenco ever had lock out hubs. If you have the later style there should be a big nut on rear of unit where the piece enters the side of rear housing to disconnect

cphillips · Sep 11, 2019

Well it might be easier to just get a parts tractor and try restoring the one it?s already on. Tractor supposedly ran well just been outside for many years. If I replaced all the tin and just keep the drivetrain it?s already attached to that might be the easiest path.

showcrop · Sep 11, 2019

Are you in contact yet with Tony Jacobs? He is in central MA and is on here now and then but I haven't seen him in a long time now.

warbaby · Sep 11, 2019

The axle is a Dodge 8-3/4" from the WWII era W.C. (Weapons Carrier). The free-wheeling hubs are available from Vintage Power Wagons and they have a couple different options. The ones I bought for my Elenco are the "Selectro Classic" type, made by Mile Maker Recovery Gear, part number 11027-01. Check your ring and pinion condition and have it re-aligned by a professional axle shop if needed. Those 4.89:1 gears are hard to find for that axle (they were an optional ratio when new) and expensive to replace!

Get ahold of Tony Jacobs @ 413-267-5087. He owns whats left of the Elenco company and can supply parts and advice about these conversions

murray moore · Sep 11, 2019

I rebuilt a 1959 841 Elenco several years ago. There is nothing different in the rear differential from that of an 8xx series. As others indicate the front drive assembly is unique to the Elenco and viewing it through the inspection plate or splitting the tractor are your best means to repair or inspect. Basically the 4 speed transmission is the same too. You have an interesting and very fun project - should keep you busy and worth your while when completed. Only took minimal time to locate a buyer should you ever decided to sell.

cphillips · Sep 11, 2019

Well at this point it looks like I?m going to get the loader off the tractor first and get it running to asses how it is mechanically. Was told it was running great when parked 10 years ago and it?s free with good compression so it should be easy. Most of the stuff I mess with is stuck so this should be a breeze.

I?m planning on calling Tony Jacobs tomorrow and getting a manual and some other info and looking into locking hubs. Thanks for all the help guys and if anyone around Delaware needs a loader I got one that needs to go.

cphillips · Sep 11, 2019

Here are some pictures

cphillips · Sep 11, 2019

More pics

showcrop · Sep 11, 2019

cpillips, I spent a lot of time on one of those as a kid. I really like the look of those beefy truck tires on the front. I hope you keep them rather than mounting the wimpy little ag bar tires on it.

cphillips · Sep 11, 2019

I was thinking of going either really aggressive vintage truck
tires like it has or maybe r1 tractor tires front and back. Like
all my old tractors it will be parade and show only really so
look is my only concern.

Tony Jacobs · Sep 12, 2019

Hello Cole , Looks like a very late 1959 or early 1960 841 , Did you get the serial number off the trans. ? Why do you want another tractor that one looks pretty original , they are all rough after 50 plus years , as you said get it running and check it you may be surprised . Thanks Tony

cphillips · Sep 12, 2019

Well there is basically no sheet metal to speak of, gas tank is
off something else entirely and really poorly installed. Worst
off all it needs a new flywheel, this one has a bad spot with no
teeth left that I found while compression checking it. If I could
find a tractor to just supply those parts that?s the route I?m
probably going. The owner was adamant it was a 801 but I?m
not too sure myself, I mainly collect f series and regulars so
this isn?t really something I?m super knowledgeable on. I?ll try
to get the serial number today.

Sean in PA · Sep 12, 2019

The owner was adamant it was a 801 but I?m
not too sure myself,

801 is the series. 841 is the model within the series.

cphillips · Sep 12, 2019

I was trying to say 1956 801 somehow the year didn t go through I m going to edit the post to clarify that .

warbaby · Sep 12, 2019

Whatever tires you choose (I like the "wimpy" Ag type on an Elenco- as long as it doesnt have a loader on it!), just make sure the diametre of your front tires are compatible with your rear tire diametre!

If not,and due to the tractors different final drive ratios (7.17:1 on the rear wheels, 4.89:1 up front) if you don't compensate for the ratio and diametre miss-match, your front tires will be skidding around and binding up. Even with the in-line clutch pack all that mechanical (and mental!)stress means that eventually you'll break something or chew up that front ring and pinion.

Here's a handy-dandy chart to guide you:
tire chart

Sean in PA · Sep 12, 2019

(quoted from post at 07:52:18 09/12/19)
I was trying to say 1956 801 somehow the year didn t go through I m going to edit the post to clarify that .

This site doesn't allow you to edit your posts once you've posted them, even though there's a button that says "Edit". It just takes you to a page that says "editing of posts is temporarily disabled", but that temporary status has been in existence for several years now.

Elenco 4x4 on Ford 801 Swap

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