2WD to MFWD conversion?

I love my 2WD IH 584. Solid machine, reliable, strong, but I really need MFWD. I've been looking around for a used MFWD tractor, but I'm not really finding the right machine locally.

They made the 584 in a MFWD version, and after looking at my service manuals, I realize there appears to be three primary pieces that differ between the 2WD and MFWD version: a gearbox, the drive shaft, and the "ZF" front axle. I don't know if these parts are still available, but if they are, is it rediculous to think I could change my tractor from 2WD to MFWD? Even a few thousand $$ investment would be worth it at this point.

Thanks,
Jim

I did indeed find a blank round plate, about 8 or 9 inches round, maybe 8 or so bolts holding it on, right on the side of the transmission, just forward of the right rear axle, and right under the place where the engagement control lever goes. If the proper gear is inside that plate, then it should go ok. I'll check on parts availability, and talk to my local IH mechanic today and let you know what I find.

Jim

Rod

Another item to keep in mind is a substancial number of those tractors with cabs burned I know a wrecker in a relatively small market area, must have had a dozen of those he bought from insurance companies. He told me he bought them thinking, getting them back in operation as open station tractors would be quite easy. It turned out to be more expensive than he thought. His next thought was how many models of IH tractors did the power trains fit. He showed me a few of them, fire had definately been in the cab-fuel tank area. Most of the factory paint was still on the power train, particularly at the front. That was close to 15 years ago, probably most of the parts have been picked up by now, but you just never know, particularly in small market areas.

I ran into some surplus new 1990? Chevy 1-ton 4wd front axles for $500. My first thought was for my tractor...lol

If a guy had a need for a MFWD then it would be cost effective.

T_Bone