8n power steering

I have an early 1950 8n (front distributor and old style steering box). Steering box has plenty of wear and has been adjusted as
far as it will go. Still get the front end shimmy when going down the road, most play seems to come from the steering box. You
can stop the shimmy with a workboot on the end of the right side tie rod. Pretty common from what I hear/read. Replacement
steering box from later 8n fixes the problem but those steering boxes aren't cheap to purchase and don't fit without a little
modification. I do have an 841 (with rough tin work and poor tires) with power steering that I'm using as a donor motor for a
pretty nice 981 diesel. I know the radius arms and tie rods are 3 inches too long. But if I shorten both by three inches and come
up with a good way to mount the PS pump, will the steering column from the 841 work on the 8n without cutting up or reworking the
8n dash? That would solve my loose steering. No loader on my 8n, pretty certain it has never had a loader (my grandpa purchased
it about 1953-54). Opinions or thoughts? I know 8n's don't really need power steering but if my choice is buying a late model 8n
steering box or installing this steering box from the 841...I think I can make a bracket for the power steering pump. The 8n is in
good condition other than the steering box.

Some random thoughts:
I think the steering column on a Hundred is quite a bit taller than an 8N.
Could be shortened though.
Who knows how the angles may differ between the two. Also, the square hole and bolt pattern in the top of the transmission are likely different?
As you said, modifying the radius rods and tie rods would not be hard. I would weld the PS ball ends of the Hundred RRs onto the 8N RRs.
Pump and lines are doable.
Question is how much would you have to mangle the dash. That I do not know.
Here's what settles it for me tho:
I have sold 2 complete PS systems for 3 cylinder Fords and one for a Hundred.
I went through each of them and put new seals in them, adjusted everything, new pump filter, new tie rod ends etc.
I got between $850 and $950 for each of them and they sold quickly.
If you sold your totally complete setup as is for say, $600 you'd be able to buy a good new style 8N box plus have some left over jing in your pocket.

Its no big deal to swap a late N box... I have a 49 parts tractor with a late box every thing looks bolted up to me. I probably have swamped one I don't remember it being a big deal you will need the late Pittman arms... Are find a late setup with the dash then if you wanted you could add a prof meter (optional I don't see the need for one)


I have never worked on a 9XX I would think a 6 thru 8XX box would bolt up other than what the dawg said about the height... This is all speculation it would be the cats meow tho if you got it to work...

That being said some N's steer nice no mater what manual set up some DON"T... Wheres your location I ran across a late complete set up I forgot I had last week I am not into shipping its to much of a P.I.T.A. plus the cost...

Hobo,
I know you know this but it must have
slipped past you.
981 is a row crop. One sided steering,
No RRs, etc.

Thanks for the replies. I'll have to measure and compare the height of the steering box on the 841 and 8n. Not in a big rush. It'll be a winter project if I think I can make it work. Also need to move the good gas motor from the 841 to the 981, rewire and install an alternator on the 4000 row crop, decide if I want to keep the '55 960. So plenty of projects to keep me busy

Certainly not a direct swap, but it might be made to work.
I have not done it.
Besides the height difference, the sheet metal mounts differently.
and you would need to relocate things like the voltage regulator if
it is still a 6V system. If it's a money savings, use the steering box
and not worry about looks so much? That might be an option.
Otherwise, as Ultradog said, you could sell the PS and buy the later
model steering box and later model dash so it all fits correctly.
I believe the tie rods can be swapped from side to side to make
that work without buying any other parts if you can adjust them.