Broken Steering Shaft cont., Serial # Prefix's

So far with the help of a local AGCO dealer I have learned the following:
For the D14 tractor -
The parts diagram and list show 2 different front support part numbers, 70228517 for prior to serial number D14-10604, and D14-10769 through D14-10782. Then they show a part number 70229741for D14-10604 through D14-10768 and on D14-10783 and up.
According to the AGCO dealer the D14 Parts diagram and parts list have an invalid part number for the steering shaft (70227845).

For the D15 tractor �
The diagram and list show 2 different front support part numbers, 70233541 for prior to serial number 6584. Then they show a part number 70235118 for serial number 6584 and up.
The D15 Parts diagram and parts list have a part number of 70233426 for the steering shaft.

In looking at the parts diagrams for both the D14 and the D15, the front supports (and the steering shafts) both look the same. Some of the part numbers for other items in the front support are the same while others are different. For example, the steering gears and the idler gears are the same part numbers, while the lower bearing for the steering shaft have the same part numbers, the upper bearings for the steering shaft show different part numbers.

The Steering shaft that has a good part number (for the D15) has a list price of $466.65. That is why I�m considering locating a complete used assembly or steering shaft. I just want to be sure I am identifying the model of the tractor correctly and the steering support assembly correctly before spending what seems to be a lot of money, either way. Any feedback on this would be appreciated.

Thanks in Advance,

Jim

Some thoughts.....

1st, try to get just the shaft from one that's compatible as far as run of part numbers go, as you've found out from the AGCO dealer. Might save some headaches.

2nd; would be a shaft from a D14 or D15 of any year and hopefully it would work, but if not the same size on the upper end where the bearing goes, you could have a flanged adapter made, or even a different cone put on the shaft but use same cup that's in the existing casting.
It could also be that the replacement shaft's bearing on the upper end would fit the cup in your casting. Or the cone fit a new cup.
These bearings are "standard sizes" and can be bought at a bearing house. A Timken bearing book shows how cups and cones can be in different sets.

3rd, As you've suggested, buy a complete used steering unit. You may find one that is manual steering for a lot less than PS one and be able to use parts out of it.
I think that a narrow front end bolster set-up is the same as a WFE, as regards the shaft.
As long as the existing steering arm is OK, this could work, too.

4th, as scary as it sounds, new shaft at $466.