Rich.Fl

Member
I am sure this has been covered many times before but can't get the search function to work correctly.

I am replacing the steering box on a 1948 8N with a used one that appears to be a later model The parts pages indicate they use different drag links. My question: What is the difference?

Thanks!
Rich
 
Rich.Fl.Here is a great explanation from John Smith.

one 8N drag link assembly is about an inch longer than the other. On the early models the long one is on the right side and on the later models the long one is on the left side. So if changing your early tractor to a late style steering box you swap sides on the drag links so the longer one is on the left.
You also need to replace the 2 pitman arms with the later style to match the new steering box. The old pitman arms won't work with the new box.
 
(quoted from post at 08:59:49 03/04/21) Rich.Fl.Here is a great explanation from John Smith.

one 8N drag link assembly is about an inch longer than the other. On the early models the long one is on the right side and on the later models the long one is on the left side. So if changing your early tractor to a late style steering box you swap sides on the drag links so the longer one is on the left.
You also need to replace the 2 pitman arms with the later style to match the new steering box. The old pitman arms won't work with the new box.
hank's,
 
(quoted from post at 09:13:17 03/06/21)
(quoted from post at 08:59:49 03/04/21) Rich.Fl.Here is a great explanation from John Smith.

one 8N drag link assembly is about an inch longer than the other. On the early models the long one is on the right side and on the later models the long one is on the left side. So if changing your early tractor to a late style steering box you swap sides on the drag links so the longer one is on the left.
You also need to replace the 2 pitman arms with the later style to match the new steering box. The old pitman arms won't work with the new box.
hank's,

So, how do you pull the steering drag link from the pitman arm to replace the dust cover?
 
(quoted from post at 01:08:46 05/05/21)
(quoted from post at 09:13:17 03/06/21)
(quoted from post at 08:59:49 03/04/21) Rich.Fl.Here is a great explanation from John Smith.

one 8N drag link assembly is about an inch longer than the other. On the early models the long one is on the right side and on the later models the long one is on the left side. So if changing your early tractor to a late style steering box you swap sides on the drag links so the longer one is on the left.
You also need to replace the 2 pitman arms with the later style to match the new steering box. The old pitman arms won't work with the new box.
hank's,

So, how do you pull the steering drag link from the pitman arm to replace the dust cover?
Loosen the nut holding the draglink to the pitman arm until it's flush with and protecting the threads.
Tap a wood splitting wedge between the nut and the trans housing so it's good and snug.
Smack the pitman arm in toward the tractor/wedge with a deadblow hammer to pop the drag link loose.
 
I like the wedge Royce suggested.

Recall that the fittings are tapered. What worked for me was to put a 2 lb. hammer against the back of the pitman arm, then wack it hard with another hammer. This seems to deform the fitting just enough that the drag link will pop out. The attached picture shows the setup on the front of the drag link...already out...just showing the method.
mvphoto74768.jpg
 
(quoted from post at 21:47:24 05/05/21) I like the wedge Royce suggested.

Recall that the fittings are tapered. What worked for me was to put a 2 lb. hammer against the back of the pitman arm, then wack it hard with another hammer. This seems to deform the fitting just enough that the drag link will pop out. The attached picture shows the setup on the front of the drag link...already out...just showing the method.
mvphoto74768.jpg

This is how I do all tapered rod ends except I use a big hammer to back it up but always swing a small hammer.... more shock and less blunt force....
 
Thank you for your help. It took a lot of effort on the right side, but it worked! Having the front loader frame in the way, I couldn't get much purchase. I have some paint touchup to do. I should have done that job before I painted the tractor. I'm obliged.

Jim
 

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