Loose pitman steering

Forum,
Still fine tuning the 8N. All is well except for the right steering pitman arm. It is extremely loose. It actually wobbles in the housing. When taking a left turn it suddenly (right front wheel) takes a much sharper turn than the left wheel. Is this problem still adjustable. Any and all advice is welcome.
Mr. T. Minnesota
 
Mr T,
Is it an early style box or the later
style.
I have never been into an early box but
have been into many of the later ones as
they used an almost identical design till
well into the 1980s. They are a very
simple mechanism and surely not beyond the
ken of the average tinkerer here.
New bushings are readily available and not
expensive. In addition to tightening up
your steering issue it will allow new
sector seals to seal properly and thus
correct the oil drips which befoul the
side of the transmission.
 
(quoted from post at 13:52:30 01/29/17) Mr T,
Is it an early style box or the later
style.
I have never been into an early box but
have been into many of the later ones as
they used an almost identical design till
well into the 1980s. They are a very
simple mechanism and surely not beyond the
ken of the average tinkerer here.
New bushings are readily available and not
expensive. In addition to tightening up
your steering issue it will allow new
sector seals to seal properly and thus
correct the oil drips which befoul the

Ultra,
It is a '48 8n.I am not sure of which assembly old or newer version. How can I tell if it does not go by year of tractor?
Mr. T. Minnesota








side of the transmission.
 
Pull it down.

Worm & bushings can be replaced. Sectors can't.

Worm will set you back $218. Just rebuilt a 4 bolt box for my cousin. We looked for months to find him a 2 bolt box, but he needed the tractor running.

The worm gear was bad, sectors & bushings were good.

Only way to know is to pull it down.
75 Tips
 
(quoted from post at 18:09:36 01/29/17)
(quoted from post at 19:29:07 01/29/17)
does the steering box have 4 bolts (early style) or 2 (later style)?

HF,
It has a four bolt base. What are the remedies?
Mr. T. Minnesota
If you can find one, you could replace it with a later one.
John has the info on his website here.
 
(quoted from post at 18:09:36 01/29/17)
(quoted from post at 19:29:07 01/29/17)
does the steering box have 4 bolts (early style) or 2 (later style)?

HF,
It has a four bolt base. What are the remedies?
Mr. T. Minnesota

Reference to two bolt or four bolt refers to how many bolts hold the steering gear side covers in.

Here is an "Early" 8N Box (1948 -- 49)
8N_Early_Steering_Box.jpg



Here is an "Late" 8N Box (1949 -- 52)
8N_Late_Steering_Box.jpg


(quoted from post at 18:43:32 01/29/17) [If you can find one, you could replace it with a later one.
If you decide to replace, IMHO avoid new aftermarket boxes
 
I drove an 8n with the early 4 bolt style sectors and SLOPPY steering for years . It was so bad that medium speeds on paved roads were scary . 2nd gear mowing was smooth . I replaced the bushings , bearings , and tie rod ends and while not 100% perfect I had no fears about 4th gear and OD with wide open throttle on a paved road .

I don't know how many people that recommend spending big bucks on a 2 bolt box have actually rebuilt a 4 bolt box to unsatisfactory results for a working tractor . Of course severely worn or broken parts are another story , but most units are salvageable . If it is a parade / show unit then spend the money .

Just my opinion .
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top