Great video, Pete! I think you should rebuild the TA. You’ve done so much work to get to the TA already. I think if you left that worn shaft and put it back together as is, it would always bug you that it is a weak point and just not right. Do it now!

Reasons to replace the TA. 1) All of us want to see it and it will give us at least one more video to watch. 2) Pride and peace of mind that you repaired it and it was done right. 3) You won’t have any regrets later down the road. Come on Pete! Make this thing right. We are all behind ya.

Great to see your dad's special jack stands working so well on another tractor!

Pete those stands your dad made are pure genius. I guess that is where you get it from. They work like a charm.

Pete, while the tractor is open, replace the worn part. You will kick yourself in the butt if you don't and there's a problem down the line. Also you may find more carnage you can fix. And you're right, it makes for great videos. Someone years from now will use your video as a rebuild guide. You will be a legend.😊😊

I vote to replace the TA. It seems like anytime I got this deep into a piece of machinery and I didn't go all the way...the gremlins would show up in the future and make me wish I'd done what I was hesitant to do in the first place.

You'll regret having to split that tractor again. Replace the TA. Always great to watch the winter projects. Thanks Pete.

When we restored our 856, we were in the same position as you find yourself in. We replaced the TA. The new TAs are better built and now we know what we have. I like to say that 5 hrs in the shop (in the winter at our convenience) is better spent than an hour of downtime. I have a good feeling on what you will decide especially since you like doing the work and take pride in your equipment. Have a great day!

It’s apart, it’s time to update the TA. Thanks Pete

We, the customer, enjoy your content. You, the supplier, produce content. You could polish each bolt by hand and we would still come back for more.

I happened upon your channel by accident and now i cant stop watching Thanks for the entertaining and informative videos, i do most of my own small engine repairs and maintenance and now i have learned more about a tractor in a few videos than ive learned in my 67 years. Thank you.

Pete, that was like watching a magician sawing his assistant in half. Except you have no assistant and the tractor is actually in half. Really cool. 😎👍🚜

Replace the shaft and torque amplifier. It'll bring a smile every time you use it. Thanks, Pete and Hilarie!

Dad always said, a job worth doing is worth doing right !!

I find it amazing that you can take it all a part, know the names of everything and then fix , clean then put it back together It is a pleasure to watch

Based on how smoothly the 856 teardown is going in your lean-to shop addition, I have a suggestion. To increase your workshop space, put an I beam up to support second floor of the adjoining buildings second floor and remove the common wall. That will give you 3 garage bays+ of open space for your shop. Match the lean-to roof line on the other side of the 2 story building and put all of your freezers in that space. 😊 Get all the space you need with one small addition to the footprint of this building. No additional infrastructure required. You still have your short walk from the house. That will be important someday.👍

I've watched your video for long enough to know that you will replace the TA. The thing that I love the most about you is that you always get the job done right. No cutting corners, no half jobs. My dad is the same way, and it's something that is lacking in us younger generations. As long as you can afford to do it, I think it will be another great example for the rest of us on the importance of taking the time to do the job right. And think of the joy you will have every time you run the tractor, knowing that everything is running smoothly. So, as always, I am looking forward to the next installment.

Theres a bunch of people here that want the 60/40 to go the way of the re-build Pete. Well I'm in that camp. On a completely selfish note, I love to watch good people doing good work and always find myself hooked on your engineering based content. Keep up the good work mate.

Pete, Farmall really needs to give you a stipend, your demonstration with their equipment is giving them free advertising. You and Hillary remind me of my neighbors Richard and Janine. Richard is a retired Army Lt. COL. He's 73 but can fix anything. I'm grateful that they are my neighbors, for I'm 73 and disabled, they've helped me many times over the last 25 years. I wish I was your neighbor just so could watch you. I never get tired of watching. Hope you can continue on for another 20 years. I'd be long gone by then. Thanks for posting brother.

My dad always said if your gonna do the work do it right the first time so you don't have to donit again. Your already intonation might as well tear her down and make it a tractor that your grandkids will be using for years to come. Been loving the videos and thank you for being such an awesome patient man in your videos.

I’ve never driven a tractor and I know absolutely nothing about them but I love watching Pete work on them. I find it very interesting Pete has a great way of explaining everything he’d make a great teacher.

Won't say I'll become a tractor mechanic after watching Professor Pete, but in a pinch , I could add air to a tire with a bit of confidence. Enjoy watching someone who is so knowledgeable breeze through the steps and convey the steps required and the challenges to proceed along with the why your doing it. Thanks Pete!

Be prepared Pete: What you are seeing is the amount of wear that’s related to the number of hours on the machine. The deeper you go the more you are likely to find. This could be a good thing or a bad thing. I think when you started this type of repair, and knowing the kind of work you do, you would not be happy doing a half a.. job. Remember that you are not setting in a bar wasting time/money You are doing what you love. GO FOR IT.

Pete I know how you feel, these things tend to snowball and we get tempted to take shortcuts. The only limitation is the checkbook lol. I’d be inclined to tear it down and make it right but as us IH guys know the TA is an expensive unit. If you don’t make it right it’s gonna bug you so I have a feeling I already know which way you’re going. Looking forward to more installations in this series!

Absolutely love your tractor videos. As a mechanic and if it were my tractor I would replace that shaft and the TA. Like you said you’ll never have to worry about it again. I know how much work it can be to get to where you are right now. It’s not an integral part of your operation so if I were in your shoes I’d do it once and do it right. Looking forward to the next videos!

Replace for piece of mind, you may find other items needing replacing , and you are most of the way there. keep 'em coming Pete. We love the resto videos

Your dad is such a blessing as he makes specialty equipment for you. I love the way you appreciate him and would love to see him more on your channel.

That's a pretty clever pair of jack stands for holding the front of the tractor when it's split. I can see that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! Your Dad seems to be just as clever with those types of things as you are!

Im lost about 5 minutes in to your disassembly, but I have to admit how fascinated I am watching you proceed through the project tear-down. I follow you pretty regularly and am impressed not only with the thought that went in to the design of these magnificent machines, but also the knowledge one must have to take them apart! All that being said, when this project is completed, I'll be just as happy to watch you and Hillary collect eggs!!! Stay safe and thanks for your channel!

Do It. I know nothing about tractors or stuff like this. But I LOVE watching. I don't miss any episodes of this topic .I know I am selfish. Maybe I am strange but to me these videos, for me are therapeutic, educational and motivational. The time, the labor, the cost that are involved are pretty high. But the education and entertainment values are priceless. This kind of videos encourages many Watchers, to become Doers. Thank you Pete. Good man.

Pete, those jacks your father made are absolutely awesome! I also think you're a perfectionist-to your credit. Will be hard to have the job finished and think you could have finished it better. Love your videos! Always nice to see Hilarie!

Summer isn't far away, the upcoming videos we love so much will either have you boasting about how glad you are you rebuilt the TA or how you wished you would of rebuilt the TA. No matter your choice, we are with you! But please rebuild it!

A nice Sunday morning. A cup of coffee and an episode of Just A Few Acres Farm. Thank you Pete !

How nice that seconds into the video we get 25 likes without the need to watch the entire video. Some things in life can just be trusted.

For engine stand work (or split tractors), I have one of those cheap blue plastic kiddie pools as an oversized catch pan. They're inexpensive, they come in a couple different sizes, and they're lightweight and easily storable. The light blue color makes for easy visuals when you've fumbled a small piece. It's always a bonus when someone new sees the pool, and you tell them that you borrowed it from the kids... but you're gonna put it back when you're done. Nice work.

Pete, if it were mine, I would replace the TA. You said it best when you said “it would last the rest of your life”. Most of the hard work is already done!

You'll regret not replacing the TA. Between peace of mind/satisfaction and regret, the correct path is clear. Keep up the great work!

Hey Pete! As a livesrock person, I'm really enjoying this series. It's a way to experience new things for people who might not otherwise get the opportunity to see this work. As to rebuild/replace the TA, that is solely a Pete question. I think we all believe you should do it, but it's the financial aspect that only you can add. I think you should do it. I currently have my 5288 in the repair shop, and as much as the additional problems that pop up hurt the checkbook, fixing as many issues as you can while it's down now means less stress and time loss, and money spent later, HOPEFULLY. Trust in God, and find peace that many people are praying for the best for you and your family. As usual, my family loves following you, and we will see you on the next one.

Pete …, your judgment is probably the best you can listen to. Knowing the man you are just from your videos and the pride you have taken with all your equipment rebuilds/restorations , I think you’ll thank yourself later in life and sleep better knowing you went through it all. Regardless of what you decide to do, I truly enjoy these videos! 🙏🏻 Thank You

Splitting the tractor was very interesting. Thanks for taking us along!

Your videos = 3 aspirins ....very relaxing. I would definitely NOT replace the shaft and the torque amplifier, for something that is in use less than 1% of the time, I would take it apart (satisfy KZfaq curious crowd), grind the end and sleeve it, then finish grind to final dimensions. The pilot bearing has practically no load on it and you're not wasting $2500 ++ replacing all these parts. Keep up the good work Pete, we all enjoy your videos.

Pete--I hope you realize how close to a cliffhanger you finished this video. It is very interesting to watch your decision process here; and from a "watch Pete work" voyeuristic-point-of-view, I say, diving into making the tractor solid for the rest of your life is the way to go. I know us KZfaq folks will love it!!!

Do it Pete, you know that shaft will bother you to the grave if you don't fix it .. GO FOR IT !!!

That little section on the forensics of the spring and roller make your stories that much better Pete!!! WELL DONE!!

Love your videos. You already know the answer to your question. So, to confirm your thought process, yes, work on the torque amplifier. Do the job once and do it right.

Pete I've been watching your videos for awhile now. I find it to be quite impressive how you break your tractors completely apart and put them back together. I'm not a farmer however, I have always had interest in tractors. You seem to have the knowledge and patience to do what you do. Keep on doing your thing and I'll continue to tune in to your channel and watch. Have a wonderful day sir.🙏

Pete. thank you for the insight and inviting us along on your 856 rebuild. the right thing to do at this stage, is to change the toque amplifier. the extra work now, is like money in the bank. this 856 will reward you for years to come for your efforts now Sir. this 856 is going to be the Happiest 856 ever..cant wait till then.

Oh you’ll do it Pete! You can’t sleep if you don’t. Love this stuff!

Hi Pete, I vote to go ahead and rebuild the mcv and replace that shaft. I suspect if you decide not to it will be a nagging crook in your craw when you’re using the tractor and you can feel when she doesn’t perform correctly. You will likely regret not doing it when you had the opportunity now. That and I’d really like to see the videos of you making these corrections!! Good luck on your decision, I’m excited for the next video to see what your decision!

My dad was a stickler for “a job worth doing, is worth doing right.” I’d address every issue with that attitude. In the long run it’s worth it. Plus the satisfaction of knowing that you did your very best!👍😎🤠

From a selfish You Tube stand point your video series on restoring old Farmall and International tractors has become a go to reference work. I would vote to continue, to the best of your ability and resources. However, this still leaves the question of the need for specialist tools to proceed further with main seal replacement, although I am sure amongst the 450k Subscribers and Patrons they will eventually be sourced, and your excellent restoration work can continue. Keep up the great work Pete.

I just LOVE Hilary, she is so much fun to see her Granny 93.

Hi Pete. It's been great to see you frequently, lately. I enjoy both the farm animals and the work on the equipment. I, too, think you would be most comfortable rebuilding the TA. I'm looking forward to the next video. Thanks for sharing this journey with us.

It's always easy for people to say "go for it" and replace the torque amplifier when they aren't the ones paying for it and doing all the extra work. The ultimate decision of benefit vs cost is really yours.

Pete, i think that you should go ahead and take it apart and do the rest of that part of the tractor. I am doing a restoration of a 1963 Farmall Cub tractor. My Dad bought it brand new. I worked on the family farm for five years. I came back home in 1980 and my Dad I together with gardening and getting wood from the ten-acre lot. Dad died in 1986. The tractor set outside until 2002, my Mom called me and if I wanted the come and get. I am 76 years old, and I am taking it apart buying new parts as needed. I have been watching Just A Few Acres Farm for about 3 years. I have watched all of your, rebuilds and restorations. Keep up the good work.

"Any job big or small, do it right or not at all." Pete, you know as well as we all do that if you don't replace the TA, you will forever be second guessing that decision. It's a lot of work I'm sure, but we'll all be here watching over your shoulder to keep you company... and tell you what you're doing wrong lol. Whatever you decide, thank you for taking us along.

Pete, I think you already know the answer.. Nice video!

Here's a vote for replacement. Gave a "thumbs-up" to the following dozen comments. We'll enjoy it and my 2003 X5s always benefit from the inspiration.

Oh me oh my!! You split your tractor apart to find all those leaks. I don't see you being paralyzed by any obstacles of replacing the Torque Amplifier. You have to much pride in the restoration of your tractor/s. Your hard work will always resonate with large number of farmers and people who enjoy ( motivate ) bringing older models back to their glory days.

At first, I was on the side of just dimpling the shaft, but then you mentioned, good KZfaq video for others to view. At that point I changed my mind, because of how important these videos have been in my life, teaching me the "how to", as to doing things, because there is no other means for me and others to be able to see it done, and done right. Especially with the way you take time to show, and explain the whys, and wherefores, putting me at ease of being able to do the job as well. I guess that's why I love ALL of your videos, I'm so appreciative for that Thank you.

I've run ih tractors my entire life. Your right there, I would definitely replace the torque with the heaviest duty on you can get, you won't regret it.

Well Pete, You said. ''A good job''. A good job includes a new torque amplifier ! . . .

I don´t write often, but having watched most all of your videos, I enjoy the integrity that you put in the family, farm, animals, mechanic perfection, the barbeques, and the "DAD JOKES". have a great week.

Knowing you as you've portrayed yourself, Pete, I'd lean towards the new torque amplifier and all that goes with it. I saw (in my mind's eye) the future where you're digging into the MCV and you'll find stuff that you'll be glad you tore into it. More of a peace-of-mind thing. No, you do not NEED to do it, but it would be the right thing to do. Yes, it would be more costly in terms of time and dollars, but then you'd be able to know you did "a job well done". So my vote is to dive in and do it right. And thank you for asking us. It's stuff like this which endears you and your family to us, as viewers in the "Just a Few Acres Farm" community and mindset. Best wishes always to your family and yourself.

Pete, I discovered your channel several years ago when I was still in school, and watching your videos rekindled my childhood interest in farming and old equipment, including tractors. Since then, I have been saving to purchase land to start my own farm, and am about to start a diesel mechanic apprenticeship at my local Caterpillar dealership. I greatly appreciate the time and passion that you put into each of your videos, especially your restoration series where you give detailed explanations of how various mechanical assembles work and go together. While I would definitely be interested in the educational value of you going through the TA on your 856, I'm with you no matter how you decide to tackle this one. Thanks for another video!

Your last thoughts answered the question. Do the good Job that you pulled it in for. I like all your videos, mechanical, livestock, sickle bar mowing, do what you want to do people will watch.

Pete, you should have been a shop teacher in high school. I'm a 40 plus year mechanic and I learn more from you than anyone in my life.

Pete, It's a lot of work to get to where you are now in this refresh. Use this time to produce the best tractor that you can. Once you begin a job like this you don't want to cut corners and you don't want to have to go here again ! Repair it correctly and you'll have peace of mind and a fantastic tractor for many years. Plus, satisfaction in a job well done. We'll be here to provide support! Do it right, do it now.

Do it Peter, makes sense since the tractor is split. You are a great KZfaqr in the fact that you know content matters. You don’t go through the motion of just putting something together to post. Rebuilding the 856 is great content.

That Pete, he's a font of knowledge! When working on old houses or vehicles that others have had their hands on I've asked a lot of similar questions, Pete. My answers often had to do with money when I was younger and whether it would work the way it was. As I got older my views changed, but I still find myself often in a quandry. It seems like I'm the one that has to provide the answer, no matter how many sources I seek out. I find I usually make decisions that won't often come back to bite me. "Haven't I been here before?" is a question that comes up too often. It can be lonely sometimes, Pete.

Oh the ol misson creep and Pandora’s box of antique tractors. I look forward to seeing your decision. I think you know what a good job is and set at forget after!

Pete, I think you do it. If finances and time allow the repair. Sitting on the tractor working it after the restoration is complete, I feel you'll have complete confidence and peace knowing you did it fully. Ultimately, though, since you're the master with these things far as I'm concerned, if you feel comfortable with not doing it, then you'd have the peace of mind anyway.

Pete - absolutely rebuild the TA. Number one, you’ve got it apart anyway. Number two, I selfishly want another video or two added to this series. Love how you film, and explain everything you’re doing, and the functioning behind each piece / assembly. Great video, as always!

For your peace of mind, and our education, plus all those extra content hours, let's do it!!

Your Father's splitter jack works GREAT!

You're IN there worth spending the time to go further just for peace of mind to know all is good in there. Since you don't require this tractor to operate your farm you have the time. Very good series, we're enjoying it very much TY

Nice job Pete. You have always done thing right so I trust you will continue and finish taking it apart.

Excellent video Pete! This video transported me back to my early teens on a cattle farm in deepest Somerset, England. As a 13yo boy with an interest in cars the family friend who was the farmer asked me to separate a Ford 2000 gearbox to replace the clutch. At 64 it brought back memories of a great time in my life. Many thanks. (Oh yes, replace the TA, you know you want to) 😍😎

Go all in with the transmission, once you are so committed already, plus that content will be always available for many to use in the future which will help more tractors like yours keep running.

Thank you for this great video. Pete, your videos are very calming to watch. Please tell us more of your jokes.

Do it Pete ❤. Love seeing Hilarie! Thank you for a wonderful video.

I am John; Ruth is my wife. It took me a long time to learn this. If I do it correctly, I will not have to do it over in the future. Also it will be less expensive to fix now . And even if it doesn't need to be done now, my tractor will have more value if I decide to sell it later. My opinion is to fix it now and don't wait.

We thoroughly enjoy your channel especially the restorations. Your knowledge is incredible and you have such a kind demeanor that is relaxing to hear after our long days. You are a craftsman and will sleep better knowing you did the right thing and a complete job. I would gladly buy one of your restored tractors as I appreciate your work ethic in your restorations. I vote to restore the TA and replace the shaft so it runs well and correctly. Please keep going ! We love watching…your content is great, far from typical.

Pete,what another great video. It is a sad commentary on society today with what you shared about your loyalty to a vendor, I thankfully was raised in ag (Florida Citrus) and was taught the value of loyalty and doing the right thing. Where I live in Winter Garden, Fla. are local NAPA is multi generational, we have used them as long as they have been there and when I am in a bind and need something hard to get they come thru...loyalty. Gone are the days of a hand shake and your word. Your grandfatherly way of explaining and gentle tone makes me wish you were my next door farmer. I and my family enjoy the time you spend with us in are living room, you are our welcomed quest. Thanks again and be safe working.

If I had torn into a piece of equipment as much as you have on the 856, I would go the next step and do the torque amplifier. You don't want to have to tear into it again! Love the series and really like that tractor.

Thanks so much for allowing me to live vicariously through your videos! I’ll never be able to be a farmer but you have made it possible! Thank you!

Pete, I love these restoration videos. Go for the TA.you're all but there.

I was raised on a farm and learned many lifelong lessons - the most important "finish the job and do it right". I gained the self confidence to tackle new projects from home repairs and remodeling to maintaining and repairing my vehicles. Sometimes it was hard work but, in my 78 years, these projects were the most rewarding I've done in my 78 years along with my 24 years in the Air Force. I've watched pretty much all of your videos, whether farming, taking care of livestock, or equipment repair/rebuilding. You always consider your options and think through each task then do the right thing for you and your family. I, like 99.9% of your followers, believe you will decide the tackle the TA - because it's the right thing to do and that is just you Pete.

Pete, you're simply amazing the way you take these tractors apart. I would never have the ability to do what you do. Your knowledge is astounding. Love all your videos.

If you don't dig in a little deeper, it will always be on your mind. Just do it! You'll be glad you did.

I’ve watched many of your videos. I started watching because my uncle owned a Farmall tractor and it’s where I learned to drive. I love watching your work. You do an amazing job, and you always do the extra step to make it right… not just ok. I agree with many if the comments that you’d wish you had replaced/repaired the TA. Do the job you’d be happy with. Thanks for your inspiration!

Great episode. I have been a fan of Just a Few Acres for sometime. This past year has been tough, with the passing of our daughter i went through alot of doubting and your channel has helped pull me thru some dark days. Your calm demeaner and wisdom has been a blessing. We also started our own Dexter herd and have had 3 heifers born in the last 5 months. Keep putting out great content and inspiring others to follow their passions. God Bless

To do the right thing it is usually not the easy way to do things; but to do the right thing is always a long term commitment and pays off, eventually. And starting now you can enjoy having a good conscience.

All I can say is that you will do the right thing. It's apart and , as you said , going into it will show you all that you need to know about the back end of the tractor. Fix it right and you don't have to worry about it down the line. This is a fantastic tractor and will serve you and many generations to come.

It depends what you want. You’re good at what you do, how much time do you want to spend and how much money. I know it will look great when you’re finished and something to be proud of. That’s my opinion.

Can't wait to see the TA rebuilt...!!! Very important / unique piece of all Farmalls, must be done as you are already there.

PETE - I have just 2 acres and 4 tractors - they keep me busy - keeping them running - enjoy your videos - keep at it.

Pete when you said you pulled in in there to do a good job you answered your own question.

Them jacks are pretty slick 👍👍👍👍👍

Pete, you are a brave man. Splitting a tractor in such a small space. Used to work at a Massey dealership. Wouldn't want to be alone around a couple of tons of metal.