'48 8N steering box - replace or rebuild

[timsch]

My search for the causes of hard steering led me to the steering box, after having checked/repaired several other steering related components. The steering wheel had no up and down play when I pulled on it, it did not go up or down when turning back & forth, it turned easily with the links removed, and there was no grinding or binding inside the box when turning.

I checked the backlash at the steering arms and there was about 1/4" movement at the bottom of the arm with the drag links removed. With such a small amount of backlash, and generally favorable indications from the checks above, I thought that a minor adjustment was all that was needed. Performing the adjustment as outlined in the FO-4 service manual, the left side sector was able to be adjusted about 1/4 turn, but the right side sector just spun and never tightened up. I redid the procedure with the same result.

Searching the forum, I found that there was too much internal wear to make the adjustment, and that a rebuild would be necessary.

I remembered seeing that the later box was an improved design and that it was a worthwhile upgrade here: http://www.oldfordtractors.com/rep.htm#q22

I'd like some 2nd opinions on whether it would be worth rebuilding the old steering box or if I should look for a later box. Thanks.

 

[KL-VA]

(quoted from post at 12:37:38 08/12/16) My search for the causes of hard steering led me to the steering box, after having checked/repaired several other steering related components. The steering wheel had no up and down play when I pulled on it, it did not go up or down when turning back & forth, it turned easily with the links removed, and there was no grinding or binding inside the box when turning.

I checked the backlash at the steering arms and there was about 1/4" movement at the bottom of the arm with the drag links removed. With such a small amount of backlash, and generally favorable indications from the checks above, I thought that a minor adjustment was all that was needed. Performing the adjustment as outlined in the FO-4 service manual, the left side sector was able to be adjusted about 1/4 turn, but the right side sector just spun and never tightened up. I redid the procedure with the same result.

Searching the forum, I found that there was too much internal wear to make the adjustment, and that a rebuild would be necessary.

I remembered seeing that the later box was an improved design and that it was a worthwhile upgrade here: http://www.oldfordtractors.com/rep.htm#q22

I'd like some 2nd opinions on whether it would be worth rebuilding the old steering box or if I should look for a later box. Thanks.

I've rebuilt two of those boxes, and as long as they don't need the steering shaft/ball nut assembly, rebuilding is just bearings and seals. Good used late 8N steering boxes turn up on ebay often enough to make that a good option if yours needs the shaft assembly. I think you also need the late 8N dash, or do some cutting on the early dash to make it work.

 

[carlntexas]

I would go with the late model box it cost me to learn the early box is hard to to get right. My 49 8n was hard to turn left and had a bunch of slop. I put new bushings,bearings,seals and bought used sector shafts ( one of mine had a chipped tooth) . After I spent all this money and got it back together it was still hard to turn if I took all the slop out. If I let off adjustment to the next hole it would turn easier but had that slop. The early box was a poor design sector shaft only supported on one side and very little adjustment.

I looked on Ebay and found a dirty rusty late model box cheap it was in good condition inside only needed new seals. I changed it over using the advice on John Smiths site you posted. The steering is so much easier now and no slop. I can't believe I wrestled with that old box for 30 years!

 

[timsch]

I looked at Ebay today and didn't see anything but NEW ones. I assume those are China made or the equivalent.

I used the tractor this evening and it was not too terribly hard to steer, so I think I'll use it as is and keep my eye on Ebay for an original one. What are those usually going for?

 

[carlntexas]

Here is one I saw earlier on there.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ORIGINAL-8N-FORD-TRACTOR-ADJUSTABLE-STEERING-SECTOR-FORD-8N-/391524950322?hash=item5b28b4a132:g:5JcAAOSwdzVXo941

 

[tractorguy2]

I have not rebuilt any early 8n's yet. I have done late 8n's and 600-800 series. So far all they have needed is bearings, seals and O-rings. And a few tie rod ends.

 

[timsch]

Thanks Carl. That one didn't show up in my earlier search, so I see I need to expand the words I using to search.

 

[carlntexas]

(quoted from post at 00:18:09 08/13/16) Thanks Carl. That one didn't show up in my earlier search, so I see I need to expand the words I using to search.

Or maybe use less I used 8n steering.

 

[Bill Crowell]

The late box is somewhat preferable, but you have to also change the radius arms if you are going to switch from the early to the late box. That was a deal-killer for me.

 

[carlntexas]

(quoted from post at 16:57:45 08/14/16) The late box is somewhat preferable, but you have to also change the radius arms if you are going to switch from the early to the late box. That was a deal-killer for me.

ill all you need to do is change sides with arms. The grease zerk will end up on the bottom,but they work just fine.