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Non Adjustable 8n Steering box - rebuildable?

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PHoeve

07-14-2005 12:38:48




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My bride-to-be just bought a 1949 8N for a very reasonable price. However, the steering has about 180 degrees of play. I started looking into addressing this issue (she doesn't want to mow a wiggly path) and have been told that the Non-adjustable boxes (it is the straight leg version with no adjustment screws) cannot be successfuly rebuilt. I have read alot of post about rebuilding boxes. Have you done it with success? To buy an adjustable style box (complete) is $500. Ouch.
Thanks. P.

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jwm

07-14-2005 17:15:09




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 Re: Non Adjustable 8n Steering box - rebuildable? in reply to PHoeve, 07-14-2005 12:38:48  
My early box also had quite a bit of free play. I installed new bushings (still available), adjusted the side covers, and replaced the drag link ends. That took most of it out but not quite all. Also I would replace the fill plug with a grease firring and fill with Cornhead Grease from John Deere. Mine took 2 1/2 tubes. It"s a better lubricant (won"t leak out) and because of it"s viscocity it has a damping effect on the steering. Regards, James

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Jack - Illinois

07-14-2005 17:10:16




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 Re: Non Adjustable 8n Steering box - rebuildable? in reply to PHoeve, 07-14-2005 12:38:48  
As you turn the 180 degrees of slack, watch the shaft the steering wheel is mounted on for up and down movement. If it moves enough to see, you have loose bearings on one or both ends of that shaft. They are adjustable to some degree by removing the top of the steering box and removing shims. The last I checked your local NH dealer can still get the conical bearing if needed. The bad thing is that the inter race is machined on the shaft and is not replaceable.

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souNdguy

07-14-2005 20:41:01




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 Re: Non Adjustable 8n Steering box - rebuildable? in reply to Jack - Illinois, 07-14-2005 17:10:16  
BOTH the bearing and race is common and available.. you snatch the old race out of the top of the steering box cover with a 3 jaw puller.. or 'weld' it out. The bottom race can be knocked out and replaced along with a new bottom plug.

The only part that is non-replacable, is the actual bearing surface on the wormshaft.

Soundguy



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dbwillia

07-14-2005 17:08:12




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 Re: Non Adjustable 8n Steering box - rebuildable? in reply to PHoeve, 07-14-2005 12:38:48  
I rebuilt a steering box on a 1948 8N. I had about 240 degrees of turn before engaging. The bottom bearing was in many pieces. I replaced all the bearings, bushings, and seals. Biggest problem is getting the steering arms in proper time, but it isn't really that hard. All parts were available. Cornhead grease works better than oil in the gearbox as it doesn't leak like oil would.



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souNdguy

07-14-2005 12:43:46




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 Re: Non Adjustable 8n Steering box - rebuildable? in reply to PHoeve, 07-14-2005 12:38:48  
To be exact.. there is -some- adjustment in the early box.. not alot.. and not as easy as the late box.

As long as the hard parts aren't bad.. I'd guess it was seals and bushings.. still.. I don't hear too many people rebuilding the early boxes.. I'm not sure of the availability of the bushings.. I guess that would be the big issue. Of course.. if the sector gears are worn, or the ballnut is worn.. it might be cheaper to get a new box rather than piece together an old one.

Get some price quotes.

HAve yuo tried rotating the side covers? if you could get that 180' play down to 90 or 45' then you could start saving a few buks a week.. and whent he old box finally gives out the ghost.. jsut get the new one.. etc.

Soundguy

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Phoeve

07-14-2005 12:52:04




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 Re: Non Adjustable 8n Steering box - rebuildable? in reply to souNdguy, 07-14-2005 12:43:46  
What is the deal with rotating the side covers. I saw that suggested in another post. Does it just serve to move a worn spot? Or is it a threaded type of thing and your actually taking up slack?

P.

Thanks for your input.



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Leemo

07-15-2005 12:36:14




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 Re: Non Adjustable 8n Steering box - rebuildable? in reply to Phoeve, 07-14-2005 12:52:04  
Yes, they are adjustable like Chippewa_Al said. My "47 built 8N tightened up real nice from a scary loose slop in the steering.
Good Luck, Lee



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Chippewa_Al

07-14-2005 13:06:17




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 Re: Non Adjustable 8n Steering box - rebuildable? in reply to Phoeve, 07-14-2005 12:52:04  
P. The sidecovers have eccentric bores to allow you to rotate the sidecover to take out slop in the steering gears. My 48 8N had over 45 degrees of slop and I got it down to specification by rotating the sidecovers. Get the FO-4 manual, it descibes the process in great detail.
Al



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