International 454 3 point leveling box.

[maxazillion]

I am inquiring as to how hard is it to rebuild the leveling box on
an International 454. I have a parts book but it don't tell me much.
I see that parts are available but would like recommendation's as to just rebuild or replace. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[JimB2]

Hi, my brother and I have worked on a couple of those leveling boxes.
A replacement parts can be found on this site at: https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cgi-bin/store/model_parts.cgi?SearchArea=Farmall&&md=454&cat=Hitch%20/%20Drawbar&r=mcats
If you are going to order a new one, be sure to measure the length to get the proper one for a 454, I believe (Item #: 180468, Ref: 223320) $206.90 is the correct one, the less expensive one is for the B414
series of tractors.
The most common problem is the leveling fork nut either becomes seized on the threaded shaft or the threads on the shaft are damaged.
Test the cranking mechanism by unhooking the lower end from the the 3pt lift arm and then turn the crank handle if the lower part turns freely then the problem is with the nut and the the threads on the
shaft.
If it is the nut/threads, we usually take the complete assembly off and take it to a vise and lock the crank end in a vise and then put a pipe wrench on the lower end and on screw the bottom part off the
rod.
I can't remember if you have to remove the two pins in the lower part to release the nut so that it will come out?
If there is something wrong with the crank end, post back and I will tell you how to dissemble it, if you look at it closely there is a locking ring nut on the bottom and two holes to put a tool in to
unscrew the Leveling Screw Bearing, we don't have the tool but use a hammer and punch.
Good luck, post back with your findings