Ford 8n Steering Box issues

I have a 1948 Ford 8N with steering issues. I've found a 1950 8N for parts. Will the steering box match up? Also, I have no idea what the serial number is on my tractor but it is a 1948 so I believe it is before Ser# 216989.

Yes, you can replace the earlier 4 bolt box with the later 2 bolt box. Use the later Pitman arms & modify the dash as John Smith suggests: http://www.oldfordtractors.com/rep.htm#q22 .
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Thank you so much for your reply. This makes sense. I have tried to get my old steering box fixed but have run into so many problems.

(quoted from post at 20:45:52 05/11/17)
Thank you so much for your reply. This makes sense. I have tried to get my old steering box fixed but have run into so many problems.

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I have a few 4 bolt boxes apart to be rebuilt . After pressing out the bushings on the sector shaft housings I have noticed most of the bores are hourglass shaped a few thousandths . Not a deal breaker but if I was doing a restore to last a lifetime I would opt for a 2 bolt box . As it is I will probably only get 20 - 30 years of service with these bushings being a few thousandths out .

Thank you. I'm going to explore my options. I've had this tractor for over 10 years and hate to get rid of it just because I can't fix the steering box. It's my baby

(quoted from post at 09:40:42 05/12/17) Thank you. I'm going to explore my options. I've had this tractor for over 10 years and hate to get rid of it just because I can't fix the steering box. It's my baby

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What is wrong with your box ?

Usually the lower bearing gets chewed up and or they leak real bad . Unless the shaft worm gear , ball bearings , and block are trashed , you can salvage one to reasonable working order . If this is a parade tractor the later box might be better .

Does the steering wheel raise up and down when turning the steering wheel ? That is usually a lower bearing . New seals (2) and bushings (4) will just about stop the oil leaking . You probably can not reuse the aluminum gaskets either . Make your own paper gaskets will not work since you are sealing 8 of the 12 holes that do not have bolts.

I have seen boxes with thick grease inside . The lube needs to flow into and around the ball bearings . There is as much force on those ball bearings as there is on the gear teeth .Over time water and other contaminates settle in the pocket where the lower bearing seats and can cause it to fail .

Adjusting the gears properly is another biggie .you want to just take the slack out . More is not better , over tightening makes it hard to turn , wears the bushings faster , and makes it easier to leak .

Install the worm gear and block then the primary sector and that arm . Grab the arm where the tie rod would fit and lightly rock it back and forth feeling the slack in the teeth . Rotate the housing until the slack is gone and then just a hair more . Repeat for the secondary side .

I fill my boxes with synthetic gear oil via the upper tube so the oil level is above the upper gear box bearing . The shaft bearing just below the steering wheel needs a little lube too . I use anti seize on the splines so the steering wheel comes off easy . Once a year I do full maintenance which include removing the steering wheel and lubing the upper bearing .

If you get the 4 bolt working good you can sell the 2 bolt and pay for everything it took to rebuild the 4 bolt . I see complete 2 bolts selling for $250 plus shipping .You could still sell the used 4 bolt and pay for parts . The 2 bolt boxes are much eisier to adjust if mechanic work is not an enjoyable Bobbie to you .

If I understood the mechanic correctly, the shaft is worn due to lack of lubrication and some of the bearings as well. My husband I didn't realize there were two ways to lubricate the steering shaft. I think he was lubing the bottom of the steering box so the parts wore out over time. His steering got quite bad. I've also read that it's pretty much par for the course with that model being its the old version and not the new box that came out the the 49 models.

(quoted from post at 12:51:36 05/12/17)
If I understood the mechanic correctly, the shaft is worn due to lack of lubrication and some of the bearings as well. My husband I didn't realize there were two ways to lubricate the steering shaft. I think he was lubing the bottom of the steering box so the parts wore out over time. His steering got quite bad. I've also read that it's pretty much par for the course with that model being its the old version and not the new box that came out the the 49 models.

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I would have no reason to doubt your mechanic and even with standard lubrication a 70 year old box can wear out , it is just the nature of old tractors . As hobbyists we have figured out how to extend past the normal usage range , sometimes .