Did you know that it’s possible to swap engines among many Ford tractors?
One of the best swaps is to put a larger engine in a Jubilee Ford. If you’re looking for a great little pulling tractor or just a fun powerhouse, this can be just the ticket!
Jubilee Ford tractors came from the factory with a 134 cubic inch engine. At the end of these tractors short but very popular production run, they were reborn as the hundred series (600, 700, 800, 900). The smaller models in the hundred series has the same 134 cubic inch engine, but the larger models came with a beefier 172 cubic inch engine.
These engines are similar enough that you can swap them around. It’s an easy bolt-for-bolt change to put a larger 172 cubic inch engine in a Jubilee Ford tractor.
This project isn’t for a beginner mechanic, but it’s basically straightforward. I’d rate the project as intermediate. The Jubilee’s size is a very manageable, and it’s designed to be repaired with regular shop tools.
Making the switch can be an inexpensive project, too – if you know where to look! The 172 cubic inch engine was used in plenty of Ford tractors over the years. My best tip: harvest an engine from a tractor with a junked select-o-speed transmission.
If you’re looking for a project to settle into over the cold months ahead, this is a great one. Give it a try and then let us know how it goes!
Mike Bondzin says
Interesting article, but a real no-no to repower a Jubilee. The rear end housing is a morphidite to say the least, and not designed for the 172 cu in engines hp. And the housing is only available in the 1953 and 1954 tractors. The hydraulic lines from the hydraulic pump travel under the trans housing to the rear end housing and then attach to the rear end housing from the bottom. So if you have to replace the housing, which I have replaced for many customers, finding an origional housing is almost impossible now. A lot of farmers had loaders on their Jubilee and didn’t pay attention to the rear loader mounting bolts on the rear axle, and eventually cracked out the housing when the bolts were loose, creating a major oil leak around the axle mounting area, as well as cracking the pinion shaft bearing area. I have repaired some, but have told the customer to be extra careful when pulling heavily, and do not put a loader on the tractor again, as the repair may not hold under heavy use. If you want more info on Ford tractors, feel free to email me, include your name and phone contact info, and we can discuss other issues with the older Fords. I have 60 plus years of history, experience and knowledge, as well as many origional Ford service and repair manuals I can look up info. Thanks.
Hal Bradley says
Mike, I am looking at a 64 ford 4000 gas. It has a select-o-speed transmission and he has bypassed the starter, he said it was because there is a sensor in the transmission that is a safety switch of sorts. can this sensor cable be replaced, and are these transmissions any good? Also the PTO shaft is always spinning, is this normal?Are brakes easy to replace it seems to not have any?
Rachel Gingell says
Hal, Run away from the select-o-speed transmission. While some people do like them, they are unreliable and parts are hard to find. You would be so much better off with a standard gear-shift transmission.
Brakes are easy to replace. I have a tutorial which would help you somewhat (steinertractor.tv) or Steiner sells a Ford Brake Repair DVD which will walk you through all of the steps.
Jeff Farris says
Can a 1953 ford golden jubilee get power steering added to it.
Lisa Warren says
Power Steering kits for the Golden Jubilee would be custom made and cost around $2000.
Geno Clemans says
Howdy..I have an opportunity to purchase a Golden Jubilee for $500 .Tractor,from photo looks great…new tires..good paint…..evrrything worked great until last year…owner blew a piston…has been sitting in barn..for the past year..
What do you think.? Offer $400…buy it and see how bad..just buy a new block and rebuild..or pass it buy..
Would appreciate your reply..Can see it tomorrow.
Thanks
Geno
Paul says
I’ve generally been unlucky in deals like that, but even in a worst case scenario if is completely junk you could make your money back in parts and then some
Joe says
I have a ford 8n with a loader and a backhoe and a 1963 ford 4000 diesel with a bad select-o- speed trans. with a good engine how much trouble is it too do an engine swap or tyranny swap
thank you for your help Joe
Suzette Thomas says
Can anyone out there help Joe!
Walker Hampton says
I have a Ford Jubilee and I am in search of a Selec-Trol Hydraulic Valve.
This was/is a option when new to use/switch
hydraulic attachments on the front and rear of tractor.
Thought you might have one or know where I could find one. please reply
Suzette Thomas says
Walker let me check with our tech dept and see if that is something we can get. I will have them reply to you by email. Have a great day.
Suzette Thomas says
Walker per our tech dept this is not available new. We can check salvage yards, if you are interested in us doing that please contact Kristin at 1-888-567-0015
Mike Gomez says
Hi Mike. I was wondering what you think about an engine swap in a Ford 641 Workmaster with the 134 ci? The motor has burnt valves with a ton of hours. I’m thinking of a total rebuild and also try to add horsepower while I’m at but I was curious of other options I may have. Maybe a 172 or maybe even a diesel.
Michael Oakes says
Mike,
I have a ’54 NAA with a piston pump for the hydraulics. I have replaced the o’ring and leather O-ring on the cylinder underneath the seat as well as pressure relief valve inside that housing. I rebuilt the piston pump but was on able to replace the seats. The pump moves fluid but does not build pressure should I go back in and replace the seats? The hydraulics would take a minute to warm up to work then the tractor was parked for two years now hydraulics will not work at all. That’s why I think I should go back in and replace the seats?
Mike Oakes
23621 skinquarter rd
Moseley, VA 23120
Please send a catalog
Suzette Thomas says
Mike we do not have mechanics here but I added a link to our free videos that may help you out. I also added you to our mailing list for a catalog. We are out of 2018 catalogs but will ship you the new 2019 mid November when they arrive. Have a great day.
http://www.steinertractor.tv/
jerome harbert says
i have just purchased one of these tractors and lift does nothing need help
Jack Higday says
Hi Mike, I would like to buy a good jubilee w a front loader strictly for light work in my back yard but mostly for parades. As a kid we had a Ferguson for light duty farm use but drove it to town on Sat night as I was to young (now 80) to drive anything a car. Don’t know your location but I’m in E TN.
George Fischer says
Can new 172 sleeves and pistons be installed in the original Jubilee engine block ?
Jim Brough says
I have a Jubilee .
It’s been parked for five years.
I’ve bought new gauges, paint, battery box battery cables , axles,
PTO shaft, …ready to restore tractor.
Any tips / warnings I should know about? Thanks Jim
johnny says
mike I have 53 jub. replaced hyd vane pump, piston, rubber o ring on piston , leather , still don’t have full lift with 5 ft bush hog , it will not lift it off the ground completely I can disconnect bush hog have the wife stand on one arm, myself on the other arm approx. 350 lbs it raises and lowers with no problem, I have limited lift at high idle 4, 5 inches which is okay for mowing any thoughts
Ric Rosonet Jr says
Mr. Bondzin, I am having some difficulty setting the timing on my 1954 Jubilee. After converting to 12 volt, replacing the points with electronic rotor etc…
Would you have a good guide for setting timing?
Don says
I have a 801 hydraulic system problem. Care to advise?
Lewis Pelley says
Mike
I’m restoring my old 1954 NAA Jubilee just because I’ve had it for 30yrs.
Curiousty -can the hp be improved any? It’s no longer used as a work tractor, just a toy.
Mark Hess says
Mike, are you advising against putting a front loader on a Jubilee. Also, is there a power steering system for a Jubilee?
Adrian J Eller says
Hi mike found this article on the net looks like its almost 4 years old ! I thought i would try you anyway I have a 53 Jubilee and it lost oil pressure. took out the distributor and spun the oil pump with an electric drill and it threw oil back up the pump shaft at me thinking the the relief valve was bad I went ahead and replaced the whole pump. It did the same thing with the new pump ! except the volume was obviously better . I pulled the oil pressure gauge line spun the pump no oil? took of the oil filter same thing? I even put the distributor back in and turned the motor on the starter again no pressure? what can be wrong . 757 218 4807
Ancel says
My dad bought what he believes to be a 1953 Ford Golden Jubilee tractor. It has the wheat symbol on the hood and everything. But the engine is diesel. Every time we look up the Ford jubilee tractors we can’t find anything about them being diesel. We researched the S/N and it said it was a jubilee. Its original paint is red. Can somebody help us with answers and where to find a fuel injector pump
Tom Kearns says
Hello Mike
I have a 860 serial 16516 .The previous owner never had a FEL on the tractor. I have a one armed FEL available to me. Will the tractor handle the weight? The tractor will be refurbished to be a working tractor mostly for powering a NH 273 baler.
Second question; how can I install a power steering system on the tractor? Where do I get parts, etc.
Thanks
Rachel Gingell says
Hi Tom,
I’ve owned several 860 Ford tractors with front end loaders. They make good loader tractors for the price–if they have the proper components.
The tractor can definitely handle a one-arm bandit loader if it has weights on the rear tires (only air in the tires would NOT be good). Since the bandit loaders are weighted to one side of the tractor the rear weights are extremely essential (Ford made pie-piece rear wheel weights). My preference would be a full hydraulic step-through loader, but if the one-arm bandit loader is what’s available to you it would be okay.
It is possible to add a power steering system to your tractor. However, several parts are required–pump, different tie-rods, different steering column, etc. It’s quite the involved and costly process.
By the time you buy the loader, rear weights and all of the components for the power steering (plus the labor to install it all), it would be more economical for you to sell your current 860 and purchase a loader tractor that is already set-up.
Hope this helps!
Rachel Gingell
Jef says
I have a 901 from 1959. One of the gold ones. Whyle some sos trans were problimatic others were great. My opinion is if is still wotking it will keep working. Mine has over12,000 hours on it and going strong. Had to go into. The motor in 79 but trans has been good. Change oil every 5 years or so.
Tom Kearns says
Hi All:
I have asked a question before about a FEL and power steering. I decided to take rachel’s advice and skip both and use my MF 1250 with a loader already attached. If the MF goes down, i’ll be w/o a loader but It hasn’t failed me yet as long as I don’t work it too hard.
Another question: I bought the 860 as a tractor to power my NH 273 baler. I am wondering if there may be a simple way to increase the 860 44 HP to the 861 66 hp. The tractor data site info only shows one difference in the engine . That is the compression is increased from 8:1 to 8.6:1. Same bore & stroke for a gas engine. How did Ford do that?
Gary Campbell says
Hi Mike. Appreciate your willingness to help and offer advice.
Recently purchased a small acreage as well as 1958 Ford 601 Series Workmaster (641). My dad’s best buddy was a Ford dealer and my grandparents, aunts/uncles and cousins all farmed so had lots of exposure to things as a kid. Unfortunately, the questions I have now weren’t the kind of things I paid attention to when I was 6, 8, 10 or 12!
I’d like to get a loader to make my tractor more useful. Sounds like maybe you think otherwise? Also, while I have 3-pt hydraulics is there a way to add additional hydraulic controls for implements?
Thanks,
Gary
Richard Brock says
I have a 1953 Golden Jubilee for sale.
It is one of the finest restoration in the country. I took the liberty of installing correct factory power steering from a1956 Ford tractor during the restoration. Pictures available
Dan Hughes says
Do you still have the tractor. Where you located and asking price