55 Ford 960 Tricycle Help

When my 900 is going down the road straight, the two front wheels wobble. I was told the gears in the tricycle front end are bad
I know I need to replace upper/lower seals. I am Still trying to find those.
But what about the gears? Is it called the Sector Gear and Shaft Assembly? A very hard to find piece I bet...
Any help, lead, or info would be appreciated..

thank you..

I was hoping one of the experts here would provide some answers for you but lacking that, let me mention a couple of things.
Unfortunately, CNH no longer services many of the parts for these early row crop pedestals (see link to their parts catalog). This includes the seals, bushings, shims and the sector shaft/gear and pinion gear. So, you are left to try to find other sources which may be possible for the seals and bushings but not for the gears. If the gears are worn badly, it is likely worst in the straight ahead position and you may be able to put in additional shims to bring the gear backlash into spec, but this may cause the gears to bind in the turned-left or right positions, I'm not sure. To do any of this kind of work you would need a Ford tractor shop manual for the '55-'60 tractors available on this site or from other sources on the web.
Another possible option might be to check with one of the tractor salvage yards to see if you could get a complete early pedestal assembly ($$) that may have less wear. It also may be possible to use one of the newer 2-piece units from a x01 tractor but you would have to buy both pieces. Two salvage yards that I know of (both in PA) would be Long Lane Tractors and Arthur's tractors. They may be able to offer some suggestions.
Or you could live with the wobble... Will

CNH parts

I'm wondering who told you the problem was in the pedestal?

With a tractor that age, it could be anything between the steering wheel and the road. Check for proper adjustment of your steering gear itself. Mismatched or improperly inflated tires can contribute to that as well.

Does it have power steering? 900/901 early 4000 row crops did from the factory. There could be play in the steering cylinder or drag link.

As to the seals for the pedestal, those are still listed as available from CNH (New Holland). Hold on to your seat when they price them to you!

Ditto what lary said.. Diagnose the play. Might be draglink ends, wheel bearings/hubs, etc etc.

If it I a worn out front, don't bother with seals, get a tight one piece or 2 piece and transplant it.

The guy who helped my father do the restore took apart pedestal to see the gears were tapered, and seals were bad.
Besides, most of steering system was rebuilt. It does have a rebuilt power steering unit.


What is the talk about replacing with two piece? Is a 2 piece pedestal easier to get ahold of? Not sure I am following on that one..

The "two piece" pedestal is for the newer (57-63) version of your tractor (741,941,951,961, early 4000, etc.) but I believe it will bolt right on the front of your tractor frame. It is a different design but does the same thing as yours. If you installed one on your tractor it might have a few advantages, possibly easier to get parts for and allows you to convert back and forth to a factory wide front end or the dual wheel narrow front. I have both front ends for my 961. Take a look at the figures and you will get the idea. It just depends on how much you want to do it and what you are willing to spend. The parts should be available from salvage yards or on flea-bay. -Will