JD 400 loader/backhoe woes

[Swivelrat]

G'day,
wondering if anyone has experience with this relic. I have used this old girl for over a decade, borrowed from neighbour. Backing up I noticed a bolt and large 1/2 inch thick washer had was lying on the dirt. Found where it comes from, on the left side just under the battery. The bolt screws into a splined shaft which I would say has something to do with the transmission? Im guessing it sits just behind the flywheel. Can anyone give a clue what it does and how to retrieve the shaft as the bolt (around 5/8 x 1,1/4 inch) wont reach the thread. I can get a longer bolt but I wouldnt want to force it if something has changed behind it.

Cheers

mark

 

[Egon]

Use a longer bolt to try and pull on the shaft to get it closer.

 

[Swivelrat]

Thanks Egon, that was my next trick. I'd just like to know what the shaft does incase I snap some casting off inside. I can get a pry bar on the tip of the head and it's not budging...

 

[Tx Jim]

Welcome to TBN
Can you post photo of the shaft?

 

[Zebrafive]

It sounds like the bolt and washer for the steer arm to shaft