Newbie Ford 8N Help..

[rw1984]

Hi, just acquired an 50-51 Ford 8N. It does need some love but does runs and drive. Are there any decent aftermarket parts for Brakes? Ive also got some leaks shown in the pics. Just wanna get stuff fixed before doin some grading.

Any help much appreciated.

 

[HCooke]

I don't know what you expect from your brakes. I've owned several 8Ns and brakes are just so so even when new parts are in place. This site is a good source for brake and other parts.

As for the leaks, I place used carboard under my tractors to see where the source of the leaks are and if they are of great concern.

 

[rw1984]

Ok, just curios cause the brakes you gotta mash em hard lol. The main leak I see looks to be from the Pittman arm area.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Ok, just curios cause the brakes you gotta mash em hard lol. The main leak I see looks to be from the Pittman arm area.

Ns had brakes?
Ford brakes were never good till they came out with the 1965 4000s with wet disc type brakes.

 

[Roger in Iowa]

Hi, just acquired an 50-51 Ford 8N. It does need some love but does runs and drive. Are there any decent aftermarket parts for Brakes? Ive also got some leaks shown in the pics. Just wanna get stuff fixed before doin some grading.
View attachment 164124View attachment 164125Any help much appreciated.

By the steering gear design you have a 1948 tractor.
If side distributor the engine has been replaced with later design.

 

[rw1984]

Oh ok. Dizzy is side mounted right side, clutch left side, brakes right side.

 

[rw1984]

Here's a pic

 

[Jim in LA]

Best insurance against bad brakes is a good front bumper, which I don't have...yet. Leaky axle seals are the biggest cause of poor braking. My '51 leaks around the transmission cover gasket. I have replaced it once and had to tighten the dog snot out of the bolts to keep it from leaking. Also the steering box still leaks because I neglected to replace the bushings when I rebuilt the steering box. When, excuse me, IF cooler weather arrives I have the parts to remedy the problem. Most parts can be purchased from this site. Nice tractor. I noticed yours has the older steering box.

 

[rw1984]

Yeah, didnt realize it lol. Looks like its leaking from the cover gasket too, def from the steering area though. If its overfilled, would it leak out

 

[HarryVanderpool]

Great looking 8N! Keep it for life.
They are infinitely rebuildable and parts are very affordable.

 

[rw1984]

Probly dumb question, has anyone used amazon for parts? Or just find oem?

 

[Ed S.]

Probly dumb question, has anyone used amazon for parts? Or just find oem?

Whenever possible, you're far off better rebuilding an original part or assembly.

Poke around in the YT archives, and you'll often run across the phrase, "The land of almost right" when describing the cheap stuff from China that often won't fit. Another saying that comes to mind is, "Penny wise and pound foolish."

As was already mentioned, this site sells generally-decent parts, although some of them may be coming from the same sources.

 

[Powered By IH]

Probly dumb question, has anyone used amazon for parts? Or just find oem?

Hello, welcome!

Your chance of finding OEM parts are very slim to none. You will have to go with aftermaket parts.

That being said, I would not use most Amazon parts. Spend a little bit of extra money and get your parts from a good quality aftermarket company.

I know Yesterday's Tractor/All State Ag Parts (this host site) sells everything you will need, and will be good quality.

I ordered a Ford 8N brake kit this summer (minus the pads) from All State Ag Parts (they are closely related to YT) and it was good quality, and pretty good pricing compared to other aftermarket companies (cough, cough...Steiner), plus if you order enough parts you get free shipping.

Ultimately, nobody is telling you what to buy though, do as you wish.

Good luck!

 

[Roger in Iowa]

Probly dumb question, has anyone used amazon for parts? Or just find oem?

This site has lots of Ford parts! See banner at top of these messages.
Might try corn head grease (ngl 00) in steering box. Don't over fill.

 

[Jim.ME]

I know Yesterday's Tractor (this host site) sells everything you will need, and will be good quality.

I ordered a Ford 8N brake kit this summer (minus the pads) from All State Ag Parts (they are closely related to YT) and it was good quality, and pretty good pricing compared to other aftermarket companies (cough, cough...Steiner), plus if you order enough parts you get free shipping.

All States Ag Parts is/was Parts ASAP’s founding business. All States Ag Parts/PartsASAP acquired Yesterday's Tractor about 5 years ago, so yes, they are closely related. I believe the YT parts site format is going to be upgraded to the All States Ag Parts/PartsASAP parts site format soon. NormanSavesTractors recently posted that the website update is supposed to happen 9/22/2026. (He also posted the update does not include any changes to these discussion forums).

 

[Eman85]

Steering leak can be fixed by using corn head grease instead of gear oil, do the search and you'll find info on lubing box. My brakes only worked poorly when I had seals leaking and oil on shoes. I would go for the major leaks and go from there but see how the tractor performs first. Check all fluids and don't overfill the transmission/axle/hydraulics or you will lube the brakes.