Ford 4400

[Bfinney5238]

Guys I was wanting to know how well the power assist steering works on these tractors? And is it completely rebuildable do the linkages all have bushings that you can replace? One I m looking at is a 8 speed 3 cylinder diesel. How easy are they too maintain?
Are they better or worse than say a ford 3600

 

[Sean in PA]

The power assist steering works well on a 4400 as long as the linkages are not worn and not out of adjustment. Unfortunately, a lot of them out there have been neglected over the years, and it's hit-or-miss finding one in good shape. Not all components in the power steering setup have bushings, so if a hole for a pin is wallered out, you may have to build up the hole with weld and drill it back out to the original size and shape.

Comparing to a 3600 is like comparing apples to oranges though, as they are completely different in terms of the design of the front axle and steering setup. The power assist on a 3600 also works well as long as things aren't worn and everything is adjusted properly.

If you plan to use it as a loader tractor, then the 4400 is the way to go. The entire front axle and steering setup is much stronger and more robust than on a 3600, and the 4400 was designed to be a loader tractor. A 3600 will go through spindle bushings on a regular basis if it used regularly as a loader tractor.