IH 706 question

[davidr2133]

I have a 706 that I am thinking of converting to 56 series shifting. What all is involved and what parts are needed? Anybody have a take off one? Thanks

 

[caterpillar guy]

You need the shafts and levers from a 756 the 856 is taller and will not work without an awful lot of work and some machining for the keys. When I did the 806 I got hold of JP tractor Salvage and he sent me the whole tower with the steering wheel , hand pump and all then all I had to do was support the back of the fuel tank and unbolt the side castings and lift it off with the roll pins out at the top of the case .they are at the level of the plate where the park brake flips into that slot on the shift rods. This got the entire levers shafts and all. then you need to change the fork in the range transmission to fit the difference in the linkage under the cover. We slipped the shaft out the back with a heater hose pushed on the end of the shaft so it didn't fall in the rearend. IT can also slip out the front into the speed section so we clamped it with a rag on it to not mar the surface. The other choice is to drill a new hole in the sliding shaft for the new fork. We switch the shaft like described. Reaching through the top link hole you can push a hose on the shaft so it dont fall in. IT is a full reach and then a bit but you are close enough you can get the hose to push on it.

 

[dhermesc]

Finding a decent shifter to use is a hassle. I was going to do this with our 706 but ended up selling it instead. The salvage yards selling the shift kits from a 56 series tractor will know what they have and will price accordingly. The ONE I was able to locate was about $600 for the parts - and I was advised I should look them over and replace the worn linkages. Other places that didn't have them at the time said if they got one in it would also run about $600.