steering problem MF 165

I am buying a used 165 from a friend, upon checking it (it was sitting for a few months) he discovered that the steering was stiff and would lock up. He put new hoses and new pump on it, replaced front hydraulic cylinder but it is very stiff still and will catch (lock up). He can't figure it out. I'm trying to help him fix it so I can get the tractor to get my garden ready for next spring and to do some much needed mowing.

PS he said the year is from 1970-1973.

Try You Tube. Just watched one where all it took was an adjustment up inside front grill. Have you tried jacking front wheels off the ground to insure it's not a bushing.

He said that he raised the front wheels, he's tried everything. I think it is in the adjustment, something rusted. He did say it was way worse when he got it out after I went to buy it, said the steering was kinda draggy before but didn't think much of it.

I would try and narrow down where the issue is. Is it possible that where you are located the temps have dropped enough to cause freezing? If so, could it be that water entered something related to the steering box that is now icing up? If no, with the front wheels off the ground. Try to move the front wheels left to right. Look for any play that would indicate that without the tie rods connected the front wheels would rotate. If that is not 100% clear then I would pop the tie rods off the spindles to make sure the spindles are not the source of the problem.

Next I would move the sockets on the tie rods to make sure they are not frozen. With the tie rods off, does the steering feel any different? If it is the same, the issue is likely in the steering box.

I do not know your model but would assume that it contains gear oil and has an adjustment screw and nut where the pitman arm(s) connect. I would find the fill plug or the bolt that is used to check the oil level and confirm that it has gear oil and is not filled with water.

On the 202, you loosen the nut and back out the screws to increase slack and turn it in to tighten it up This screw pulls or pushes the sector gear to or from the steering shaft. On the 202 you back it out 4 turns, before adjusting it tighter. It didn't sound like it happened this way but "IF" your friend tried to adjust it to make it tighter, you could start here. Steering issues are a pain, I am still working on mine.
Don

(quoted from post at 16:31:35 11/29/18) I would try and narrow down where the issue is. Is it possible that where you are located the temps have dropped enough to cause freezing?

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Well at least this isn't the issue, when he discovered the problem the temps here were in the 90s.

Does it lock when turned all the way to only one side? Or just at random points?