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I have a 1948 Super A with the older ball and socket tie-rods. You can get everything inside the steering box brand-new from caseIH. Last time I checked you can get the tie rod half that goes in the center steering arm coming out of the box, but they were close to $150 each. You can get the adjustable screw (seat) on the ends, about $40 (yes, $40) each. Can't get the inside seats. Can't get the old style tie rod ends, steering arms, etc. My experience is that if the ball portions of the steering arms are worn, it is still possible to find good used ones. As to the steering box itself, you can get slop in a couple places. First, the bearings, second, gear teeth backlash, and third, slipping of the center steering arm on the shaft, or slipping of the large 1/2 moon gear (not the worm gear) on the same shaft. If you can get the slop out of everything else, you can probably deal with some gear wide backlash. If I had a good machine shop at my disposal, I would get them to refurbish the vertical shaft the 1/2 moon gear goes on, I don't see why they wouldn't be able to make you a complete new one. You can get this shaft new, but the machine shop could also correct any wear on the gear and center steering arm. (The gear is $200 plus, and you can't get a new steering arm since it's ball and socket.) I found with my tractor both the arm and gear would move on the shaft, and often you can't tell this until it's all back together and the weight of the tractor's on it. Also, the shaft will wear just enough where the bushings are in the box to cause oil seepage, even with new bushings and seals. As to when they changed to "automotive" tie rods, I think it was probably around 1952. I know the parts book shows the serial number break, but off-hand I can't remember the year. There were a couple of subtile changes to the steering equipment over the years. Feel free to email me direct if any of this isn't clear. You can get the steering back very, very close to original "feel," It may cost you a bit, but definately worth it and safer! On my tractor I put all new bearings, bushings, and seals in it, but didn't do anything to that vertical shaft. I still have a little bit of slip, but it's much better than before. When I restore the tractor, I'll get it all "right." Al aljones@oonline.net
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