Three Steering Questions (in one post)

I just replaced my kingpin bushings and I was amazed at just how easy it was. I used an automotive pickle fork to split the steering arm from the spindle and once I got a big enough gap I used a 3", 3 arm puller to press it off the rest of the way. The bushings were easy to pop out too using the bushing tool that I bought at Harbour Freight. The only peculiar thing was that the top bushing on the left side was not worn out as I had expected, but had slipped down and out of place. The new bushing went in a little too easy as well and I hope that the axle half is not too worn. Has anyone had the same experience? I reinstalled the old bushing beneath the new one because I thought that two bushings will slide less than one. It seems fine but I will have to keep an eye on it.

My sector shafts need adjustment. I dont have my manual around as I misplaced it and I am waiting for the new one in the mail. I have around 2 1/2"-3" play in the steering wheel. I have an 8n with the first generation steering box and it looks like a PITA to adjust. Should I mess with it or just leave it alone??

Lastly, I need to order a new steering wheel as the slines inside the wheel are stripped out. Like I said, I have an early 8n. Do all 8ns use the same steering wheel?

Thanks.
Paul

Your first generation 8N steering box is worn out - like 95% of them are. It is very hard to rebuild them good, but some have had success doing it. There are some that transplant a later model steering box in with is a ton better, but I "think" you have to modify the dash as well(?) Needless to say, my 48 still has several inches of play - I will attempt to fix it "one of these days" as it is very annoying - especially after I drive my smooth, tight, 52 8N workhorse around.

New steering wheels are very easy to find.

Good luck,
Dan

Thanks for all the help. It sounds like all 8N steering wheels were the same too.

Jeb

I suspect that my 8n could be built in '47 and I know that the online parts places show '48-'53. I am having problems reading the serial # to know for sure when it was built. So I just want to be sure that all 8Ns use the same wheel and there isnt a chance of carryover from the 2N.

And there was a MAJOR CHANGE between the 1947 2N and 1948 8N front axle spindles.

And while wheel-bearings will interchange, frontaxle parts will NOT INTERCHANGE..... ...Dell