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

[EdGooding]

The Howard was a good addition to the N tractors however it also added a weakness to the tractor. The gears and frame that supported the gears was not able to stand up to much abuse. As long as it was steady pulls it would do OK but if the operator got to jerking against it on a pull it had a tendency to split the support holding the main reduction gear. Much like the Funk conversions increased horsepower would break the rear pinion support and bearing in the differential. Smooth and steady pulls they did fine but repeated jerky or shock loads would do them in.

I saw an ad for a Howard gear reduction just the other day but cannot remember where it was now... they were asking a $1000 for it. I would have given it some serious consideration if I had a trailer queen.

Don't know if it is still available, but his email address is in his post: Howard gear reduction unit

 

[POGuy]

This was cool as ice cream.

Nothing sounds sweeter than a Detroit Diesel revving!!!!

 

[BossofBBQ]

This optioned-out 8N is owned by a guy over in the next county from me. It's got a 60HP flathead V8, Sherman Combo auxiliary transmission, power steering, and a Howard gear reduction unit behind the transmission. The Howard was intended to be paired with the company's Rotovator (tiller) and slowed the 8N down enough to use this implement more effectively. View attachment 4417960

That's really neat; I've never seen an N with power steering before. Was it an aftermarket option available in the '50s, or was this a modern adaptation?

 

[John0829]

Power steering, there were some home brew developed PS but nothing I am aware of as being commercially sold other than the "Jackson Power Steering" which came well after the 50's. In the 50's power steering was always by "arm strong"

 

[EdGooding]

That's really neat; I've never seen an N with power steering before. Was it an aftermarket option available in the '50s, or was this a modern adaptation?

Ford Tractor started offering power steering kits as an accessory sold through dealers for the Hundred Series tractors starting in 1956. An 850/851 loader tractor with power steering is one of my personal favorites. As John mentioned, Roland Jackson sells kits that fit an 8N. He's a really good guy to deal with: Jackson Power Steering

 

[Southernspeed]

Interesting thread, thanks for posting Ed !
With so many 8Ns etc still in use, I'm surprised there isn't an aftermarket for adapter plates/spline shafts, kits, etc. Maybe not for old flathead mills as they're costly and not too available, as far as I'm aware, but for 70s/80s diesel or gas engines or later pre computer stuff.
I really enjoy using my 8N occasionally as is, (just graded my road a few days ago) but I'd be tempted to do a conversion on another one.

 

[John0829]

Like this? Engine Conversions - Red Rock Manufacturing

And I believe there is another but cannot find it at the moment.

 

[Southernspeed]

Like this? Engine Conversions - Red Rock Manufacturing

And I believe there is another but cannot find it at the moment.

Oh no .... a new way to spend money! They don't mention any kind of adapter to mate the 8N trans to a Chevy clutch or maybe the Ford clutch can bolt up to the Chevy motor? I need to do some research!

 

[EdGooding]

Their website has not been updated for 20 years but I called their number and got a voice recording that indicates they are still in business. Info here for Awesome Henry's engine conversions: V-8 Conversion Kit - Awesome Henry

 

[John0829]

Oh no .... a new way to spend money! They don't mention any kind of adapter to mate the 8N trans to a Chevy clutch or maybe the Ford clutch can bolt up to the Chevy motor? I need to do some research!

Somewhere in the fog that is my memory I seem to remember reading that, and don't hold me to this, but I think the way it works is you use the Chevy pressure plate with the Ford clutch disk.