Aftermarket steering gear box

Paul in MN

Well-known Member
For a '47 8N I am working on, I bought the replacement gear box from our host. It is of the late 8N design with the offset arms. The tractor I am working on had the earlier gear box with the straight arms and the flat dash. I knew that I'd have to remove some metal from the flat dash on the left side to accommodate the different design box. It would sure be nice if the package with the new box and arms would include a sheet with pattern for what metal must be removed. As it is, a number of trial fits with the 2 piece dash assembly are necessary, and that takes a lot more time and effort than using a pattern would require. As it sits now, I may have a couple more trial fits before I am satisfied. I have been using a drill bit, a 4.5" angle grinder, and a 1/4" air die grinder. The left arm needs more space as it moves toward the rear for left turns. My own '47 had the dash modified and the newer style gear box installed before I bought the tractor in 1970, so I had a clue of what was needed. But it seems as if this aftermarket box is just slightly different dimensionally regarding the left arm. At this time I can't get the dash plate to sit down tight to the tranny casting, but it sits about 1/2" high. Also the oil fill plug is on the left side and an about 5/8" hole needed to be made to access the fill plug.

What are your experiences with this mod for the earlier 8Ns? And does this replacement box reliably solve the loose steering problem caused by a badly worn out early gear box? I appreciate your replies.... Thank you!

Paul in MN
 

Now would be a good time to make a pattern of the parts you had to cut. Put it up on eBay and see if anyone will buy it.
 
I hope to take some pictures and post them here. I am not done trimming the dash plate yet. More trial and error yet needed. The knowledge learned by many others on this site has been generously shared, and I intend to continue in that tradition. Maybe what I find will even help our sponsor to score a few more sales, which is good for all of us. I am not a great fan of E-Bay, but have used it at times.

Paul in MN
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top