removing Front end on an 8N

FarmerHR · Oct 4, 2012

I need to remove the front end on my 8N front mount distributor changed to twelve volts so that I can remove the oil pan to do an engine rebuild. The Ford and I&T manual both say to remove the radius rod and steering drag link and then unbolt the front end. The Ford manual shows a picture with both the radius rod and steering drag link removed at the rear. However; it does not show where the steering drag link is removed at the rear. The picture does not cover where it was seperated.
Is it best to remove the steering drag link at the steering gear arm or should the steering gear arm be removed at the steering box ?
What is the best way to break the joint at steering drag link and steering gear arm or the joint of the steering gear arm and steering box ?
Is the joint between the steering gear arm and steering drap link a taper joint ?
Thank you for any help.

Anonymous-0 · Oct 4, 2012

You need to remove the drag link from the steering arm. There is special tool ($10) that is used to pop the link ends loose. Most auto store has a tool loaning program if needed.

Tom N MS · Oct 4, 2012

Remove the steering links at the front then just fold them back out of the way.Leave the steering links attached at the back. Unbolt the radius rods at the footpegs and leave em attached to the axle at the front..

Tom N MS · Oct 4, 2012

Caution--this method will almost always ruin the rubber boots/dust covers on the link ends.

Royse · Oct 4, 2012

What is the best way to break the joint at steering drag link and steering gear arm

There's quite a few posts out here about using a splitting wedge and popping them loose.
I don't have the picture, but if someone doesn't post it soon, you can search for it in the archives.

Britcheflee · Oct 5, 2012

This is the information I was given to do this and it worked perfectly for me:

It is not necessary to disassemble all that steering. First, jack up the front end and rest the forward flange of the transmission on good, sturdy, wood blocks. (Don't use cinder blocks or brick which will crumble to dust and drop the tractor on you.... because you are going to be UNDER that thing.) The front wheels are now off the ground.
Next, unbolt the foot-pegs/radius-arm sockets, and unbolt the front-axle bracket at the front of the block. Now, PULL the front axle forward, away from the tractor and watch the front wheels turn "pigeon-toed" towards each other. Leave the steering alone now.... that's all you must to do that, and when finished, simply reverse the procedure.

FarmerHR · Oct 5, 2012

Folks,
Thanks for all the excellent suggestions. You folks are amazing !
Thank You !

removing Front end on an 8N

FarmerHR

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Anonymous-0

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Tom N MS

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Tom N MS

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Royse

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Britcheflee

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FarmerHR

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