IH 886 Transmission (kinda long)

Ran across an IH 886 for sale with a strange story behind it. Seems a farmer had the transmission rebuilt at a dealership 7 years ago to the tune of $5000. Brought it home and used it for 2 weeks with no problems then suddenly the transmission "locked up". He called the dealer and they said they would have to charge him to come look at it again. Huge argument apparently ensued over this and turns out they or no one else has ever looked into the reason the transmission "locked up". Tractor was parked in the barn and has sat for 7 years. Farm was sold in meantime and daughter is now trying to sell the tractor.
Tractor is about 100 miles from me and I have not had a chance to see it in person, only pictures. Have been told tractor starts and engine seems to run fine. Rear tires look very good. Was told TA was working well when this all happened. Says tractor now will randomly roll but locks up "like its in park". Rolls better in reverse.
Im not at all familiar with an 86 series tranny. Was wondering if anyone might have any insight as to possible problems that might be likely. I realize it could be a hundred different things wrong. Trying to decide if its worth going to look at or take a gamble on. I could use a tractor of this size but the last thing I really need is another big project right now. If its something simple it might be worth the gamble but i dont want to do a whole tranny rebuild.

It could be anything from a gear out of its shifting/position fork, to broken shifting internal or external linkage. Bearings also can react like one
way clutches when failing, or incorrectly preloaded. So assume a split and adjust for your time/effort. Or worse, a dealer repair bill when purchasing
it. It cold be a detent that allows 2 gears at once, or it could be deep enough to cost beyond the split/s needed. Jim

Well first off ya need to figure out just what transmission is screwed up , is it in the SPEED trans or in the Range trans. . Next does it have a Cab or open station . If the problem is in the Speed trans that is not to bad of a job on a 86 just a lot more lines to deal with . some limited work room ,standing on your head working thru cab doors a few smashed fingers along with other battle scares . Ifg the problem is in the range trans then here is when your going to have fun of either removing the cab or supporting it and rolling the back half out from under it . As to what happened i don't have any idea and with out seeing the repair order from when the work was done it is a 50-50 chance you find it on your first inspection. So what i see here is lots of pieces and parts layen on the floor and getting up close and personal with the total drive line of a 886 and the reduction of the bank account as god only knows what you will find .

I think I was really looking for someone to talk me out of getting involved further with this. You did that and I thank you! 20 years ago I might have gone for it but Ive slowed down a lot since then. Your wisdom is greatly appreciated!
Tim

Wasnt the 886 one of those that had to be lined bored in the transmission, a factory recall. my cousin in Iowa had 1086 that was recalled, My other cousin in Dakota had to have 3 sets of sleeves installed by the dealer,a 886, before he had one that worked, one set siezed up 3 miles out of town, driving it home!

How far does it roll?
Had a wheel lock up on the SM in high
school. Left wheel would almost make a full
turn the other way and lock again. Found a
bull gear tooth stuck in the bull gear from
the last rear end rebuilt, near 30 years
prior.