How the Ford 8N was customized with non-tractor engines

[EdGooding]

The 1948-52 Ford 8N was intended for small-acreage farming. The 8N was a 2-plow tractor at best. In some soils, a single bottom plow needed to be used. To try to penetrate the midwestern, large farm markets and help the 8N pull a 3-bottom plow, the first customizer was the Funk Aircraft Company in Coffeyville, KS. They sold a kit that allowed the owner to swap in a 6-cylinder, flathead engine.

These modified 8Ns are instantly recognizable by the hood extension:

 

[EdGooding]

The Ford 60hp V8 flathead fits under the 8N hood without the hood extension or extended dash plate:

 

[airbiscuit]

 

[EdGooding]

Then the "go big or go home" crowd got involved. This 8N has a Ford 351 V8 installed:

This 8N has a Chrysler 318 V8 installed by a Michigan genius named Marvin Baumann:

Marvin put a Chevy 350 in this one:

 

[EdGooding]

The "go even bigger" models - an 8N with a 12-cylinder engine and stretched hood:

8N with Buick Straight-8 and stretched hood:

 

[EdGooding]

Marvin Baumann's Honda motorcycle Valkyrie engine in an 8N:

And if that isn't weird enough, this is an 8N with a gas-turbine-powered hydrostatic drive. Yet another creation from Marvin Baumann of Monroe, MI:

 

[EdGooding]

Not an engine conversion, but a conversion to 4x4 with a Ford Bronco front axle:

 

[EdGooding]

Crawler conversion:

 

[EdGooding]

Many owners added auxiliary transmissions to offset the fast gearing that many 8N owners don't like. Again, Marvin Bauman takes it even further with his “Fourtrans” 8N, the world’s slowest tractor that travels at 12 inches per hour in the lowest gear.

In addition to the 8N’s 4-speed factory transmission, it contains added working versions of the:

• Sherman “Special Purpose” Transmission.
  The tractor using this “Special Purpose” transmission along with the standard tractor transmission has eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds. It is mounted in front of the standard transmission. The shift handle is on the left side of the tractor, below the steering gear box.
• Everett Auburn Trencher Speed Reduction Transmission.
  This two-speed reduction transmission was used when a trencher was mounted on the tractor. It has a 98-to-1 gear reduction ratio to produce the slow speed required to operate a trenching machine attachment. This unit is mounted directly behind the standard transmission and lengthens the tractor by 9-3/4”. The shift handle is located on top of the gear reduction unit directly in front of the seat.
• Howard Rotavator Speed Reduction Transmission.
  This two-speed transmission has a 3.5 to 1 gear reduction to obtain the slow speed needed to operate the company’s Rotavator (roto-tiller). Howard Rotary Hoe, Ltd. made this unit in England. It uses a planetary gear system and is normally mounted directly to the rear of the standard transmission. In this tractor, it is mounted to the rear of the Everett Auburn trencher transmission. The shift handle extends out on the right side of the differential housing.

 

[airbiscuit]

I never cared for the 8n. Tires were too small, and engines needed frequent overhauls. Also geared way too high for work

Gears:
1-Fast
2- Very fast
3-WTF
4- You've got to be kidding