Backhoe Ford 555B, Compatabilty of Brake Discs, Plates, and Actuators

[Chewwy]

I’m looking at getting back to the long delayed wet brake repairs.
My back is much better and found someone willing to help with the work.

I bought this macine used and the serial number and production date on my machine have long been obliterated. I believe but am not certain that in was produced after November 1, 1986 based solely on the length of the rear axle oil dipstick. There was a production change on the rear axle on that date.

This makes a difference since the brakes on the 555B had a production change at the end of August 1986. I’ve been struggling with which parts to order while hoping to have them on hand before beginning the repair. Otherwise would have to get the old parts out, then order them, wait for the parts and then put it back together. I’m looking at about $600 for the parts including salvaged actuators, so this is not an insignificant decision.

I’ve researched the other brake parts and rear axle parts, and
there were NO other production changes around the August 1986 change. This leads me to believe that as long as I replace ALL the discs, plates and actuators with compatable parts, either pre or post production change date, they will fit and function properly.

Does this make sense?

Rickb, your thoughts?

Joecdeere, your thoughts?

 

[joecdeere]

Rick's still at a dealer, I'll let him answer this, I've been gone from Ford over 20 years!

 

[Chewwy]

Joecdeere,

Thanks. Tried a couple of dealers, one local, one more remote.
Since there aren’t that many 555B still working, neither actually stocked the actuators, so couldn’t send me a picture.

Just had an epiphany after butting my head against the wall all day.

 

[RickB]

I had a chance to look into this today at work, but no time to respond. There certainly is a build date break on the parts and sadly the differing part numbers do NOT sub up to a group of common, current part numbers. I can’t tell you what the differences are between the early and late versions. Here’s my two cents:
I’d not under any circumstances that I can think of, order used actuators before I knew mine needed replacement.
I learned last winter that the model, serial # and unit code of a 555B are hand stamped aft of the starter just like other tractors. Bad news, it’s all but impossible to read them without removing the fuel tank. In our case it was out anyways, not so much for you. If the engine is original, you might get numbers off the block and hope it’s dated after the break. That would pin it down for you.

 

[Chewwy]

Rickb,

I was able to find a pair of salvaged actuators (post change design) in good shape for about 25% of what new ones run. I just look at it as cheap insurance.

Probably won’t start the work until this fall. Just too darn hot right now.
Not sure I will be able to get the actuatirs then. Previous searches have been hit and miss on their availabilty.

Neither my local dealer or Messick’s have them in stock. Probably not a big demand these days although it appears the same ones were used on several models.

The question I was trying to get an answer too is regardless of the production date, it looks lake either design (pre or post production change will fit and work) as long as all the parts (disk, plates, and actuators) are of the same design. This is because nothing else they have to fit with were changed.

 

[RickB]

I would agree with that.

 

[Chewwy]

Thanks. Coming out pretty good on this.

Parts and help labor will be around $1500. Local NH dealer estimated $4k to $6k, and wasn’t enthusiastic about taking it on.

 

[RickB]

Thanks. Coming out pretty good on this.

Parts and help labor will be around $1500. Local NH dealer estimated $4k to $6k, and wasn’t enthusiastic about taking it on.

As I recall they were gonna do it the long, hard way.

 

[Chewwy]

Not sure how the local NH dealer was planning to do it. We never got that far.

I had researched doing it it based on the shop manual method before you pointed out the better way.

Experience is a great teacher!

Thanks again.

 

[RickB]

Maybe thats the conversation I recall. Good luck!