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SOS transmissions

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Al

04-21-2000 15:09:38




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I am thinking of buying a 1973 Ford 3000 with an SOS transmission. I am not farmiliar with this transmission and don't know what the most common repairs and problems are with the SOS. In addition, can you recommend any specific things to watch for during the test drive. Any help would be greatly appreciated.




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Roger K

04-22-2000 05:03:52




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 Re: SOS transmissions in reply to Al, 04-21-2000 15:09:38  
It sure is a pleasure to hear good comments about the SOS.This transmission takes a beating at times on these boards.I own a 1960 801 selet-o-speed, and knock on wood I have had no trouble with it I love it.We use the tractor for mowing
and some garding.

Ps. If I do have any trouble with my select-o-speed I have kept Berns email address.



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Bern

04-21-2000 17:36:48




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 Re: SOS transmissions in reply to Al, 04-21-2000 15:09:38  
I personally like the SOS trans, contrary to most of the opinion you will likely find. Especially on one that new, I don't think you'll run into a lot of trouble with it. Ford pretty much had all the bugs worked out of it by then. When operating as it should, it is far and away superior to the 8 speed in my opinion.

Things to look for: In the higher gears, jam the brakes hard a few times to be sure it does not slip. You should be able to kill the engine with the brakes. The 4-5 and 5-4 shift is rough, this is normal. Also, it is common for the PTO shaft to not stop. It should however, not drive a load in the disengaged position.

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JIM (WYO)

04-22-2000 10:59:02




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 Re: Re: SOS transmissions in reply to Bern, 04-21-2000 17:36:48  
I have a 1965 SOS 4000 and really like the tractor. What model year did Ford get most of the bugs out of the SOS? What was the last production year of the SOS?



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Bern

04-22-2000 13:23:53




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 Re: Re: Re: SOS transmissions in reply to JIM (WYO), 04-22-2000 10:59:02  
I think that by 1965 they had most of the problems worked out, certainly in time for the introduction of the new thousand series tractors. That's not to say that anyone with a hundred series SOS will have a lot of problems. There is no definitive date that one could say "this is where they started making them good", because I'm sure most of the improvements were phased in as they were developed.

1975 was the last year they made the SOS, for reasons very much unknown to me.

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Roger in SEMO

04-21-2000 21:03:51




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 Re: Re: SOS transmissions in reply to Bern, 04-21-2000 17:36:48  
We have had our 1957 871 SOS since 1973. We bought it from the original owner. Over the years we have replaced 1 water pump, 2 generators, and have done a valve job on the motor, but regular service has kept our tractor running great. You can't beat the SOS for mowing, you can always pick the right speed to match the conditions. Bern is right about the jerk between 4 & 5, and our pto shaft also spins like he said. We are very happy with our tractor.

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Bern

04-21-2000 22:29:33




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 Re: Re: Re: SOS transmissions in reply to Roger in SEMO, 04-21-2000 21:03:51  
Roger, one minor point. The SOS trans did not come out until 1959. If it is in fact a '59, I'd say you've had excellent luck with it!



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Roger in SEMO

04-22-2000 05:43:22




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: SOS transmissions in reply to Bern, 04-21-2000 22:29:33  
Bern, The pad by the starter is stamped 871, and the serial number is 74465. The radiator is dated 2-59, and the bottom of the seat base is dated 3-59, so I think it is a 1959, but if it isn't, could you date it for me. The tractor is in good shape, with the original paint, and most decals still in place. It has the power adjust wheels and rest-o-ride seat. I use it to mow our 10 acres, using a Woods RM306-2 72 inch finish mower. It takes me about 4 hours to mow, most of it in 7th gear. Enjoy your posts. Thanks. Roger

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Bern

04-22-2000 08:36:24




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: SOS transmissions in reply to Roger in SEMO, 04-22-2000 05:43:22  
Roger, a quick check of my serial number chart would seem to confirm that your tractor is indeed a '59. The first unit built in 1959 was stamped with the number 58312. The first one in 1960 was branded 105943. Extrapolating these two numbers would put your rig roughly in the middle of that year I'd say. That makes sense also with the dates of the two parts you mentioned. They sat around a few months before they were assembled onto your tractor.

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Roger in SEMO

04-22-2000 19:12:16




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: SOS transmissions in reply to Bern, 04-22-2000 08:36:24  
Bern, thanks. Roger



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