Building a JD LLSS May 22, 2012 04:23AM
Question for you all. I am currently a truck puller and don't have any experience with tractors other than living in a farm community and having family that worked for John Deere their entire life (although not in pulling). I would like to build a budget tractor and yes I use that term loosely but farm stock has about zero appeal to me. The LLSS class has some appeal but there isn't much of that here yet (but I do think it is coming). I would like to put together a Deere LLSS. Most rules allow for 470 CID smokers and 370 CID Alky. Below are some of my questions for any of you that are willing to discuss.

1. Without decubing what would be the best JD engine to run Alky? I see that gas engine from a 4020 is 352 CID but would that be the way to go? I am guessing that would be a lot easier to switch to Alky since it should already have spark plugs.
2. Will a 350-370 CID be able to spin a 3x3 charger and run good?
3. I know most Deere LSS guys around here are using 4010 or 4020 rearends and trans. Is this what I would want to use to?
4. With a tube frame and either light steel or Aluminum wheels (24.5's or 30.5's) and above trans/rears can it get down to 5500 lbs (to accommodate driver and movable weight for 6000lbs class)?

Thank you.
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Re: Building a JD LLSS May 22, 2012 05:58AM
You have a couple of options. The late 4020 gas engine is actually 362 (4.25 x 4.25). Down side is only 4 main bearings, but on alky with a single 3" charger it will hold up fine if you girdle it. Plus side is that many parts are available to fit this block. Flywheel, rockers, cam, etc will interchange with the 404/466 diesel blocks. The early 4020 gas engine is 341 (4.25 bore x 4.0 stroke). Easier to find & I belive the 362 crank will fit if you want to go that route. 4010 gas was 4.0 x 4.0, so if you bore it for the bigger sleeves it's the same as the early 4020. 341 also common in 105 combines, 362 also availible in 7700 combine & 4230.

Second option is the 359 (4.19 bore x 4.3 stroke). The head from the 303 combine engine bolts on, or you can add spark plugs to a 329/359/414 head. With 7 mains it probaly doesn't need a girdle, but you're probably not going to find used parts for it in the classifieds on this site.

Rear is probably dictated by your engine choice & rules. No one should complain about bolting either engine to a 4010/4020 rear. It shoud be plenty strong & parts are availible for it. It will take some work to get it down where you want it weight wise but it is doable.

2840 & 4030 rears have been used with the 329/359 family. A 3010/3020 bolts right up to the 341 & 362 & probably to the 359 with the right rear engine plate. Parts for these are more custom, although all have been used for pulling, so someone has made them.

Where do you live?
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Re: Building a JD LLSS May 22, 2012 08:11AM
Thank you for the info. I live in Nebraska.

You seem to be very knowledgeable on this. I know this is a long shot but is there anywhere that I can read more info on alky ag engines and get more info on the 3010 rear end and trans?

From reading your info it sounds like using a 341engine with a 362 crank and a 3010/3020 rearend and trans may be just the ticket. What kind of ball park HP do you think a 362 CID on Alcohol with a 3x3 turbo would be capable of pushing and what are the HP limits of a 3010/3020 rearend and trans? Would a 3 disk clutch be able to hold this and not have to be jacked with all the time?

Also, I am just guessing that tube chassis are OK in classes like this (if I were to head East during the winter for indoor pulls). I have looked at a few orgs rules and they don't specifically state that you can or cannot.

Thanks again.
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Re: Building a JD LLSS May 22, 2012 02:30PM
I know you said no decubing.. but the orginal diesel engine in the 4010 was 380 cid.. 4.125 bore x 4.75 stroke.. Most just got the 4.25 pistons and sleeves taking them to 404.. This would give you the 7 main block.. and would not take much decubing to get you there.. then.. you might like the shorter stroke, for more rpms.. but it wouldn't take much of a stroke change to get you to 370..
The LP engines would be much cheaper to purchase...
Just another idea..
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Re: Building a JD LLSS May 22, 2012 03:19PM
Post or PM me your email address, I have some experience with both.
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