1986 5610II Synchromesh Transmission

We have an '86 5610 that is going to need some serious TLC. Provided there are replacement parts available, and service data to back, I'm trying to decide if it is economical to bring our iron tractor back into service, or to find another suitable tractor for general farm use and loader work. I am retiring from the military soon and my father and I are going to have a go at bringing the family farm back into operation. As it sits, the 5610 is locked up and the gear levers on the synchromesh trans are seized. If it were still in working order, it would be good tractor for what we need. The horsepower rating is suitable for our implements and the series II hydraulics, coupled with the hydrostatic steering, would be great for loader work, I believe. My biggest fear is not being able to find replacement parts for the synchro trans, and not having the service data to even be able to troubleshoot and repair the trans. The engine and other aspects of the tractor are fine, as there are a lot of resources for the 4.2l NA engine and other assemblies. Does anyone know if the factory service manual covered the synchro trans and are there still any resources to tap for parts? Our local dealer is several towns south of us and I would prefer to do the work myself, as I'm sure the cost of dealer service would not be economical for a start up farm and we would be better off replacing the tractor entirely. I would really like to save it, as our other tractor is a '71 5000 with the same engine, but with conventional 8 speed trans and power assisted steering. Since the 5000 has a pretty serious ps fluid leak itself, I had thought about swapping the steering from the 5610 to 5000 and installing a loader on it, but I would still like the loader on the 5610 since it will flow twice the amount of fluid vs the 5000. If anyone has any incite, knowledge, or experience with a synchro trans, please pass it along. Sorry for the ramble, and thank you for your time.

Service manual is available. Parts are anybodys guess until you find
out what you need.

I have been able to find a service manual for the tractor itself, but I don't see any reference to the synchromesh transmission. I intend on buying a full set of factory service manuals for both the 5000 and 5610. I suppose I will find out then.

(quoted from post at 13:47:10 04/12/22) I have been able to find a service manual for the tractor itself, but I don't see any reference to the synchromesh transmission. I intend on buying a full set of factory service manuals for both the 5000 and 5610. I suppose I will find out then.

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That transmission isn't that bad to pull apart. We have a 6610 series 1 with the 8x4. The most expansive part we had to replace were the synchro, $550 a piece back in 2020. There were two plastic pieces we couldn't.

Thanks for the info, Mike

I don't think I'd be too discouraged by
the shift levers being seized. Did the
transmission work well when the tractor
was parked?

Not sure what you got, but the factory service manual for the 10 series would have the syncro info in it.

(quoted from post at 19:40:17 04/12/22) I don't think I'd be too discouraged by
the shift levers being seized. Did the
transmission work well when the tractor
was parked?

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I don't remember the transmission giving any issues prior to it being parked, but it has set for several years due to some engine trouble. I have tried spraying penetrating oil down the steering shafts to break it loose, but so far that hasn't worked and I don't want to torque on them too much. I'll try again tomorrow and see if it'll break free. I believe they are stuck in the neutral position though, so I have that going for me, maybe.