Thanks guys,
To address some of the questions I have gotten over it (I'll do it here to save on individual emails).
Smaller pulley / "Speed up" pulley: Late in the production of 44" decks IH changed the diameter of the center double drive pulley from +/-5-1/4" to +/-4". This was only on the 44" decks, but by using this PN on your 50" or early 44" you can really bump up the blade speed. It only works for yellow machines with the narrow (1/2") belts.
PN for pulley is IH 126393-C1 (44A decks with serial number 81742 and above)
(I can't take credit for this one, we discussed it on here several years ago and I'm pretty sure Bryan led the charge)
Gauge Wheels (front):
These are just standard kits for the 44/50 decks from MTD.....759-3250 (wheel kit) & 759-3253 (brackets). You do have to be very carefull to install them square and straight with respect to the cutting plane of the blades.
Anti-scalp roller (rear center):
This only works on 44" decks as the 50" don't have enought clearance behind the center blade to fit it in. Roller is the same PN as the front, weld in to supports and place axle at same level as front roller. (really great for ditches and the times when you back over a "hump")
Handle:
Late model 44" and 50" decks had a grab handle/discharge chute stiffener just outboard of the gauge wheels.........1/2" HRS bar stock...bend and weld.
Rear hanger reinforcements:
2-1/2" wide x 1/8" or 3/16" steel welded across the back edge of the deck makes cracks under the rear hangers a thing of the past. This is about the weakest spot on an IH deck. Works on all IH decks, but you might have to modify the steel specs.
Gators:
Some like'um some hate'um.....I like them and together with the small drive pulley they really lite-up a 44/50!!!!
I also replaced the outboard pulleys. For some reason (grease/grass clippings/dirt????) these really seem to wear into big "U" shapes fast......not good for transmitting full power.
I got it all primed this afternoon and hopefully I'll be able to throw some 935 at it this week......169 is itch'in for a good hard pull in some heavy spring grass.
Should be able to cut 12" grass at wide open hydro and 1/2 throttle and leave it looking "great"!!!!