Possible Pieced Together Ford 2000

[maudeflanagan]

Good morning all,

I have been lurking for a bit to familiarize myself with the production code format Ford used. The reason I am interested is because I have inherited some tractors from my father. He was a Ford man through and through and I would like to get one of his tractors running a bit better.

The tractor in question on the surface is a 2000, but according to the production code stamp, its a 231 industrial. I do not have enough experience to know whether this is even possible and I am hoping the experts here can help. Times like this, I wish I could just ask him. I am attempting to attach a picture of the tractor as well as the stamp.

Thank you in advance.

[img:d43330e0f0][/img:d43330e0f0]

 

[Sean in PA]

All 3 cylinder Ford tractors made from 1965 through the 1980's at least all used the same basic castings for the engine and transmissions. That stamped number is on the transmission bell housing, so that only tells you what model tractor that transmission was in when it left the factory. Engines, transmissions, rear axles, etc., have been swapped out over the years form one tractor to another due to failures of other components, and my guess is since your tractor has all of the appearances of a 2000 or 3000 by the sheet metal, my guess would be that the engine and sheet metal are probably from a 2000 or 3000, but the transmission is from a 231. The hydraulic pump is from a later tractor than a 2000/3000as well, so my additional guess is, if it has the two large handles for the 3 point hydraulics, that the rear axle is also from a 231. You would have to collect the date codes form all of the major components to figure out everything for certain.

 

[maudeflanagan]

Thank you Scott. Does this mean I should be able to find a stamp similar to this on the front end? There is a clear difference in color between the front and rear end. I suspected that the castings would be similar and/or a match. I am just completely unfamiliar with this whole subject, and am thankful there are people out there with knowledge on it and are willing to share it.

As of now, the engine is running very hard. It has been sitting behind the barn since around 2017. After charging the battery and getting some new gas in it, she fired right up with some starter fluid. Next step I think will be plugs to see if the engine will run a little smoother and happier. The oil is still clean and the trans/rear axle fluid are in good shape. If the engine cooperates, those will be next on the menu.

 

[Sean in PA]

Not those exact same types of numbers. but most should have cast date codes. Does the 3 point lift control quadrant have 2 main handles or one main handle and a small lever near the base of the large handle?

 

[maudeflanagan]

Sorry I called you Scott. I took some more pictures
of the controls as well as the easiest stamp from the
front end I could get to. The left side of the 3point
linkage is different than I am used to, so I included
a picture of that as well as the e-brake. I am posting
from my phone, so the order of the pictures is
jumbled.

 

[Sean in PA]

What you call a hand brake is actually called a transmission brake, and it was stock on tractors sold into some European markets because of the safety laws there, but it was also optional on tractor sold into the US as well if you were willing to pay for it. They were available starting with the first 3 cylinder thousand series tractors when they were first made in 1965 and were available well into the '90s, so that doesn't help to date anything.

The 3 point lift quadrant has 2 handles, one for position control and the other for draft control. That style 3 point system was introduced int he x600 series that were first made in 1975, which is when the 231 was first made as well.

That casting number, C5NE6015 is the engine block casting number. The C5 at the beginning says that the casting was designed in 1965, so the engine is probably original to the same tractor as the hood and grill sheet metal.

My best guess at this point is that the engine, sheet metal and probably the front axle are from a 1965-1968 2000, while the transmission, rear axle and 3 point system are all from a 1976 231.

 

[maudeflanagan]

Thank you for the detailed information. This is good to know if I need to order parts. Unless the 231 is basically the same as the 2000 when it comes to parts.

 

[Sean in PA]

(quoted from post at 15:35:43 03/30/21) Thank you for the detailed information. This is good to know if I need to order parts. Unless the 231 is basically the same as the 2000 when it comes to parts.

They are the same basic design except that the 231 is a newer generation so there are some design improvements, especially in the 3 point hydraulics system. The 231 has the same hydraulics as the 2600 which was the ag chassis model that replaced the 2000.