Ford 3000 power steering cylinder lines

Hello all, this is my first time posting, but this forum has been invaluable in keeping my Ford 3000 running. Thanks to all who share their knowledge!

I have a 1968 Ford 3000 diesel that needed the power steering cylinders replaced. So I ordered some new aftermarket cylinders and re-plumbed all the lines. The good news- no leaks; the bad news- the steering isn't working properly. The lines and the cylinders all warmed up after going through the self bleeding procedure, so I don't believe the issue is with plumbing. I think I have crossed up lines. The original set up worked on the tractor, but it was a sorry sight of an ugly aftermarket cylinder and an original that had been welded back together. Basically I don't trust the old plumbing order. I looked in the shop manual and the lines are not very clear on the diagram and I am a little skeptical anyway because the originals were a "right hand" and "left hand" part and the replacements are reversible. I found a post describing how to run the lines on a 3600 and that's how I did it. The steering is very stiff so I think the cylinders are "fighting" each other. I only have 3 more combinations to try, but I don't want to ruin the steering components by testing.

Basically there is a fore and aft port on the side of the steering column and a inboard and outboard port on each cylinder (right and left). Has anyone done this replacement on their tractor that can guide me on the right order of things?

Thanks!
JP

The first thing I would do is swap the lines on the cylinder ends. I have done this a few times and even if I do a diagram I
still get the lines crossed.

Thanks for the reply dlee. Any concern that the cylinders could damage themselves or steering components if they're crossed up? The manual says to turn the wheel completely back and forth to bleed the system. I was worried that I could bend the cylinder rod if they were turning toward or away from each other.

Try it not hooked to the axle. That would
tell you if they are both pushing.

That makes too much sense! I'll give it a go tomorrow and report back. Thanks guys!

Jack up the front wheels off of the ground and disconnect the rod ends from the linkage. Then start the engine and turn the steering wheel back and forth and watch each cylinder to see that the rod is moving in the correct direction as you turn the steering wheel to the left and right.

YES!! disconnect the cyl from the front...... end... so as you turn the steering wheel, you can let the cyl's travel and see which or both are reversed.... Do not hold them very long at either end of travel,,,,,, to prevent blowing out a seal. turning left the left side should extend and the right side should retract... then the reverse when turning right....

and yes the cyl that is looser will move first and the cyl that has tighter seals will move last,,,, when there is no load on them...

Thanks for all of your suggestions and advice. I pulled the cylinders loose at the front to swap lines to get the correct order. Reassembled and jacked up the front end to bleed the system without all the pressure on the steering components. Turning great with no leaks!

JP

For a future Ford 3000 owner installing aftermarket cylinders (mine were titan):
[b:54b81eb6ce]Left side[/b:54b81eb6ce]- fore/upper outlet=inner cylinder
aft/lower outlet=outer cylinder
[b:54b81eb6ce]Right side[/b:54b81eb6ce]- fore/upper outlet=inner cylinder
aft/lower outlet=outer cylinder