Ford 8N Front Wheel Alignment??

Orion231 · Jun 12, 2017

Been searching on here but not finding a procedure. I have new tie rod assemblies to replace the set on the tractor now. Does anyone have an alignment procedure so I can set them up correctly? I assume that both steering pitman arms should be centered, vertically aligned and in the same position on both sides of the tractor but not sure the best way to set the front wheels.

Thanks..

R Geiger · Jun 12, 2017

If you are going to be working on your N, you really need the FO-4 service manual. The procedure is in there.

R Geiger · Jun 12, 2017

wITH A QUICK READ, it says doe in is 1/4" does not say where the arms should be but I would center the steering wheel from one extreme to the other, I think that will put one arm in front of the other. may depend on which 8n you have, not sure.

the spindle housing and steering arm should have chisel marks put there at the factory to show correct toe in. mine has them.
good luck

Den N Ms · Jun 12, 2017

Orion,You say, I assume that both steering pitman arms should be centered, vertically aligned and in the same position on both sides.Well that is a good place to start,then adjust the tie rods to where the wheels are straight,then adjust to where you get about 1/8" toe in on each side so you have 1/4" total toe in on the front wheels.Check by measuring back side and front side center of tires,front side needs to be 1/4" less.If you dont hace a center mark on the tire you can scribe one.By painting the center rib and scribe one with a nail in a 2X4 bent up held up to the tire on the floor and spin the tire with the wheel jacked up.

Den N Ms · Jun 12, 2017

Orion,Note worn steering parts may need more toe in to make up for wear and keep front wheels from shaking going down the road,adjust as necessary.

Orion231 · Jun 12, 2017

Thanks all for the help. I will probably take a try at it this weekend. Will replace the tie rods first and then the front wheel bearings (left side has a lot of slop in it). Will see where I stand with the steering gearbox play after the other problems are fixed but at least I should be able to get a whole lot closer.

Orion231 · Jun 12, 2017

Oops, actually the other way around. Replace the wheel bearing first then the tie rods then align.

wellmax99 · Jun 12, 2017

before I bought new tires 3 rib for my tractor the front tires would shimmy going down the hard surface road, to stop this I had to add toe out to the front wheels, you can not tell in the field but made a big difference on the hard surface road.
after new tires, I was able to set the toe in back to the proper specifications,

I had tighten the gearbox gears as much as possible, (you must be very careful tighten these gears), if you get them too tight, you can bust the steering box housing and then you are in big $$$ trouble.

good luck with it, if it leaks bad some run corn head grease in the gearbox or just plain axle grease if you cannot get the gearbox to stop leaking oil.

Ford 8N Front Wheel Alignment??

Orion231

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R Geiger

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R Geiger

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Den N Ms

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Den N Ms

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Orion231

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Orion231

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wellmax99

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