ford 8n power steering.

[boycebrian1]

Hello fellow tractor enthusiast, I'm new to the forum and this is my first post.

So i have a Ford 8n and i was looking into power steering options, and for those of you who have also looked into those option for an older machine know that its tough to do without breaking the bank. Now i have a Dearborn 19-22 loader but will be picking up a Ford AI9 with a six foot bucket with all the extra weight id like to upgrade some parts. Now for any of you guys who have opinions of get a newer tractor with a newer bucket I've thought about that trust me. ! don't use my old Ford too much move a little dirt and plow some snow, and frankly i just love the looks of the early fords. future mods will include a 4wd system using parts from the local scrap yard.

Now here's the question for a topic, has any of you attempted to use a power steering pump and rack out of a car or truck to upgrade your steering in an old tractor, or a power steering pump and a hydraulic cylinder to upgrade your tractor.

I'd like to take the new and merge it into the beast aka "Ethel"

Any ideas? Here is a few pictures of the old girl.

 

[Dave M7040]

I think one issue that would be a challenge to deal with is the fact that the tractor front axle pivots in the center so any steering rack would need to pivot with the axle which makes the steering shaft another challenge.
Dave M7040

 

[Soundguy]

I think one issue that would be a challenge to deal with is the fact that the tractor front axle pivots in the center so any steering rack would need to pivot with the axle which makes the steering shaft another challenge.
Dave M7040

Dave, that's a real non issue, even fords with Ps use that from axle. Just have the magic mive the draglinks.

To the op, ill just toss this out, if you like the older fords, you could move just a hair newer to late 50's and get factory power steering, also you can find elenco conversion units for 4wd. I suggest you work the 4wd out first, as it will Change clearances up front. Elenco setups have the front axle and trans drive worked out.

That said with a loader and front pump, you could get an orbital valve steering system from a place like Jackson Ps, and use a priority valve to steal pressure off the loader circuit, pre loader.

 

[boycebrian1]

That's a good point. I've tried to find an Elenco 4wd kit and there almost impossible to find. I've seen a bunch of tractors online using jeep or power wagon parts to built a custom 4wd

 

[Soundguy]

throw enough money at it and you can get it.. but it's usually easier to walk a path already trodden.

get an 00/01 with elenco and power steering.. sell or keep the N.

 

[boycebrian1]

I've decided to convert it to 4wd first then look into some sort of assisted steering. So keep an eye out for the build ill make sure I take lots of pictures and post them.

 

[Soundguy]

The biggest part is tapping the drivetrain for power, I'd still look at some elenco running gear, at least at the tranny.

 

[buickanddeere]

Keep changing parts and updating and you could have one of these. Compact-Tractors-and-Commercial-Mowers New Holland New-Boomer-Compact-Tractors - Models, technical data and characteristics

 

[boycebrian1]

Keep changing parts and updating and you could have one of these. Compact-Tractors-and-Commercial-Mowers New Holland New-Boomer-Compact-Tractors - Models, technical data and characteristics

That thing is sweet!!! I want one of the 8n boomers. I made sure to include that in the 5 year plan

 

[Kenneth S]

Here some pictures and info on the Elenco 4x4 system 8n-06

The front drive axle looks like the easy part.

 

[seawalkersee]

Not that hard from where I am sitting. I would pick a side. From there, make the link on the side have a ram on it. Bend/weld new arms to the king pins or run them off of the bottom or the hub like a vehicle. Cross over drag link from 1 side to the other and run your pump. May lose a bit of radius because of the lack of the inner circle not as tight, but still not bad. Just like a solid axle pickup.

SWS

 

[Soundguy]

still need a pump and orbital valve.., or a nifty valve in cyl setup

 

[Kenneth S]

The orbital valve for the steering is the way to go, eliminates any mechanical linkage from the steering wheel to the front wheels. Jackson Power Steering | Archive | Complete Steering Kits

 

[boycebrian1]

I'd like to have a manual back up incase the old girl breaks down. If its 100% hydraulic it would be had to steer if I was towing it.

 

[Soundguy]

most orbital valves incorporate a pump so you can reposition the wheels without engine running.
.. like when towing. etc..

not easy.. but it works..

 

[boycebrian1]

Ooo okay that would work. Has anyone had luck with a Jackson unit?

 

[Soundguy]

Ooo okay that would work. Has anyone had luck with a Jackson unit?

i know i'm apparently being ignorred here, and only have about 20+ fords.. so not much experience... but i mentioned jackson back in post #3 .....