That's a cool ladder, and I like the steps you have to get in the cab. Mine is 2T so maybe it is a smidgen lower, 8.25x20 tires. You also have tow hooks, I have nothing on the front. I am jealous.
It looks like you need a bigger tractor. I can lift mine one wheel at a time about an inch or two with a 3t floor jack I have. I might try that, to fill in under the wheels, including the front. Likely need a steel plate under the jack.
I have a pull cable for throttle, it is problematic. It is the only thing I have seen on a GM. A buddy has a Ford with linkage that has less friction but much more play so it is not better. I don't know what you mean by "steel sleeve"
At first mine was really bad. I made a new carb end bracket to line things up better and I removed a mounting clip over the radiator to allow the cable to take whatever shape it wanted to. I also lubed the crap out of the cable and now it is drive-able. I have plans to make a hydraulic linkage for it, to get rid of the friction of the cable. That will come along when I install the Q-jet carb and HEI ignition, maybe next summer.
