D14 power steering

I want to add power steering to my D14. I just looked at a non running parts tractor near by and it has definitely been well used unlike mine. My front end is very tight. Parts book shows the manual and power steering front support as the same part number. I looked at my support and it has a plug screwed into the areas where the power steering hoses should connect. I would rather keep my front support as the one on the parts tractor is worn. My question is am I looking at this correctly and could I just move the power steering parts over to my support?

Idler gear and shaft that connects the rack to the center swing arm gear.

Got started by draining fluids, removing shroud and radiator this afternoon on my D14. Was able to make sure the plugs came loose which they did. Cleaned 65 years of dirt and debris from the support as well as some mice nest. Next step will be supporting the tractor as far forward as possible in order to remove the wide front.

I understand what your saying and realize it is a lot of work. Which bearings are you referring to? The shims I’m assuming your referring to is in the control valve? The leak from the control valve is most likely a seal in the rear cover. I shouldn’t have to get into the steering shaft area unless I’m missing something? No doubt it would be simpler to do the swap as a whole and I may end up doing that. I have several concerns, some that I will not know until I remove the support from the parts tractor. The parts tractor support leaks bad at the steering shaft so I know that seal has to be replaced. Mine doesn’t leak. Not a big deal to replace it while it’s off. Not sure of the condition of the front pivot pin but if the front is like the rear one it is flat worn out. The parts tractor has a lot of wear and has had a rough life. I’m just concerned that if I do a complete swap I may end up with a shimmy in the front end. It’s a non runner so I’m unsure of how it performed. Oil leak at the control valve so that has to come off to repair that area. It just seams if I have to remove parts to fix leaks I mind as well move them over to my support? The IT manual I have says the idler gear comes up from the bottom and drive the shaft in from the top, install the lock. I don’t like IT manuals but I haven’t been able to locate a factory service manual. I received an excellent condition owners manual today in the mail. May have to settle for a reprint. Maybe I’m over thinking this Dr Allis, I just want a good final result and know how tight the steering is on my support. As always I really appreciate your advice, your knowledge is priceless.

Edited by AC720Man - 02 Nov 2024 at 11:59pm

Finally got around to this project. Removed the PS front support from the parts tractor. Tore it down to inspect parts. It had quite a bit of water/oil when I drained the fluid. Found the upper steering sector bearing rusted to the steering shaft. Quite a bit of wear to the steering shaft/spindle arm. So I am going with my original plan to move the PS components over to my support. I have already removed the idler gear and PS components from the parts tractor support. I’m presently disassembling my support to move those components over to it. The PS components are in good shape and I have no reservations that they will work. Gaskets, seals, and a needle bearing have been ordered. My final expectations is a really good PS system and a tight front end.

Got this project back together but got to thinking if it needs to be primed? The suction tube makes it nearly impossible to do as it comes up a sharp curve from the pump and then a downward angle to the front support sump. Just doesn’t seam the pump would not be able to pump with no oil in it. Wide front end. Just seams like it would need oil in the pump to start the process? IT book doesn’t mention it. Thoughts…..

Yes sir, I have that type oil in the sump already. I run it in my D17 also. I will need to pull the right side frame rail off to do that but that’s not a big issue. And yes, drain the antifreeze and pull the radiator again. Haven’t installed the shroud yet so that also not a big issue. Glad I asked, just wish I would have asked a little sooner lol. Finally warmed up in my shop so I wanted to get it done today but it’s always good to pause and ask a question. Thank you Dr Allis