39 JOHN DEERE B

[Jeremy White]

I HAVE A 39 JOHN DEERE B IM IN THE PROCESS OF RESTORING. IM GETTING DOWN TO REBUILDING THE ENGINE AND WAS JUST WONDERING IF A NEWER MODEL B OR EVEN A 50 JOHN DEERE ENGINE BLOCK WOULD BOLT UP TO MY RUNNING GEAR. JUST TRYING TO LOOK FOR A WAY TO GET A "LITTLE" MORE UMPH OUT OF IT SO ANY ADVICE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED! THANKS FOR READING!

 

[Jake Winn]

JD B puller will have the best info on this. There were a lot of differences in the 39-40 vs the 41-47, 47-52, and then the 50's. Just depends on what you want to do with it. If you just want to have something for parades or plow days, rebuild it to somewhat stock. If you want build a puller, start with a mid 40's or a late B. they are cheap to find and have more options.

Jake

 

[BMAN]

You can use the block from a 41-47 B. I did it with a 39 B about 10 years ago.

 

[7030466]

you can bore the block and use late b or 50/520 pistons

 

[jd b puller]

Jeremy, if you're just wanting to hop it up a little, put some late B pistons (+.045" Aluminum)in there. that will keep the bore under 4.75".

If you're wanting to pull it, here's your chance... Find an unstyled frame, sheet metal & front end and throw it on there. Use a 41-46 block so you can use the later heads. The later (47 & up block will bolt in but you won't have the tapped holes to tie it into the frame, and the water manifold will need revs.

The "50" block has a different crankcase and head pattern. Keep in mind, if you put any of the later blocks on, you'll need to put the later head on. i've had a couple guys tell me they eggshaped the stud holes in the 39 head and made it work. Never tried it myself.

There's a lot of different ways to do this, e-mail me with what you're wanting to do with it and I'll throw a dozen different ideas at you.