Keep trying, IH Cub Cadets are a cult. all kinds of places parting them or selling NOS stuff. Pricy

The dual range transfer case can be added on. It was an option. You'll also need a shortened drive shaft. 3rd gear moves the tractor along pretty quickly. The high/low transfer case is for going slow, like when using a tiller. As far as parts go, allot of items are still available from your local Cub Cadet dealer. You can find almost any used part cheap on ebay. These older Cubs have bullet proof trans axles in them. Just take a look at competitive garden tractor pulling, the old Cubs are the most popular by far. Don Here is a link that might be useful:

I purchased my Cub in 1999. GOt a 2135 for yard work and a snow thrower attachment for the drive in the winter. First two years were great. After that, nickle and dime issues, VERY POOR reliability, electrical wiring issues, stearing parts broke, in 2006 the engine died with 234 hours on it (we think a valve rod bent) It was the most unreliable piece of equipment I have ever owned (and it was $4,300 for the setup in 1999) Service from the dealer was 'ok' but they had big International Harvester (or whatever they're called now) equipment to work on, so my cub was of little importance, profit wise. I understand that these are made by MTD and not IH like they were in the 80's. MTD makes mediocre equipment at best and the Cub Cadet is a testimony to that decline in quality. It's like what happened to the US auto industry in the late 70's and early 80's. Focus is all about profit and nothing about quality and it's all overseas. I have since replaced it with a Simplicity (out of Washington state, I believe.) So far I'm VERY pleased with the quality and attention to details. Under 5 minutes to drop the mower deck AND remove the bagger. And 2 wheel traction is a nice plus when climbing uneven terrain. I'll never buy another MTD product again. Make sure you know what you're getting

Thanks, but the shape of the main frame is nothing like the one he has. The Roper frame slopes up toward the front of the tractor, while the one he has is a flat square style of main frame. I've seen enough of each type to know its not a Craftsman. He has all the booklets, and manuals that came with it when it was new. I know that, because i made the deal with the original owner. The guy who sold it to me had records of all of the repairs he had done on it. I think the son wants to know, mainly, where the alternator is located. Is it in the flywheel, like the lawn mowers have now!? I'll check further. Thanks for the reply! RJ