M steering shaft

New steering wheel came in today for the "50 JD M. I couldn"t wait to get the old ugly one off.

When I removed the steering wheel nut I noticed the threads had been severely damaged. Nut still tightens down but there is only a couple good threads at the end of its travel and none left to fix they are completely removed.

I can"t stand to leave it this way and I don"t want to get another shaft..its good on the other end. Can"t I have it turned down and re-threaded for a smaller nut? What is the original size? Thanks.
 
A good machine shop can weld the shaft (built up with weld) and thread returned so old nut fits good. There are plenty of used shafts around to replace it, but its going to be pricey either way.
 
We have a lathe at work. I was gonna get my buddy to turn it down then I was gonna cut new threads with a die. Will that not work?
 
Sure it will but you'll have to make a new heavy washer to match the new id and the old od. Then there's the matter of finding a new cap nut in that size. Would be simpler to wrap the taper with a copper sheet to protect it, weld it up, turn it down and put the right threads back on. Never saw a good machinist yet that didn't enjoy a little challenge.

Do you know how to remove the sliding shaft? Unlock it and pull it out till you see the pin in the tube behind the dash. Drive it out and the short shaft will come out. If the notches are worn repair them while you're at it. I would put a new ball in there while it's apart.
 
Sounds more complicated than I have time for. I may just replace it if I come across one. Gonna have to wait till spring for this probably. Getting very slow at work and will be laid off soon for awhile.

The cap nut is already gone..it has a regular one on it.

The nut is holding good so the steering wheel isn't going to come loose or anything. But I do want it fixed right later.
 
There was a NOS steering shaft on ebay a few weeks ago. I think it got to around $100, but I'm not sure if it met the reserve and sold or not. You could also try Rusty Acres Ranch or Dave Cook to see if they have a used one.
 
I check ebay often but I missed that some how. I have gotten almost everything for it on ebay. Came across some great deals.
 

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