Putting 8N (49) Steering back together

;(

I'm really confused on how the seals/washers are supposed to be installed on the sector shafts inside of the gearbox. The manuals all show 351621-S, 3585, and 3591 to the inside of the first bushing.

I'm assuming that the flat metal washer that is scalloped near the middle hole is 351621-S and that was installed. And I've purchased 3591-A which is supposed to replace the other two parts.

Here is my problem. When I dry fit the just the side cover with the sector shaft installed there is very little freeplay in the shaft (in and out). Maybe 1/32". There is no way I can get any seals/washers on the shaft without really squishing them down when I bolt the housing in place. I realize there is a gasket that goes on the housing but it's pretty thin and doesn't help the matter.

The other thing I don't understand is won't seals on the inside of the shaft keep lubrication from getting to the sprial cut lubrication passages in the bushings?

Thanks for your help!

Jim (thought I was buying a '50) Wulf

When I rebuilt the steering box on my 1948 8N trailer queen, I remember the oil seals were on the outside of this spiral cut bushing. If you take the steering arms off the sector shafts and remove the felt dust seal, you could see the oil seal right on the ends of the side covers. It sounds like you have these seals on the inside...

HTH,
Dan

When you were done rebuilding yours how much play did you end up with on the pittman arms?

I know there is going to be some play at the steering wheel, but with the front end jacked up and everything connected I can move each front wheel back and forth at least 1-2 inches without the steering shaft starting to move!

The gears inside of the box really didn't look that worn. Not sure if I should try adjusting the play out by playing with the steering rods or what...geez, it didn't look that hard in the manual!

;)

Thanks.

-jwulf

HTH,
Dan