O/T adding tractor power steering
My little Farmall 100 (same as "Super A"), with the front loader (extra weight) BADLY needs PS, especially with my arthritis getting worse, and I'm simply getting older and weaker.
First problem is the "steering box" on these is part of a huge casting which ties the front of the engine, radiator, and front axle and loader mount all together. The box is part of a big casting, and cannot be removed.
I had bought hydraulic "torque booster" (Char-lynn or behlen) which is a device goes right in the column. BUT those units put more stress on the old box, and I'm afraid the "old box" isn't up to the task.
So I've been thinking of possibilities
1 Conventional PS box, IE Mopar style. Hard to mount with the old box in the way, would entail brazing/ welding TO CAST IRON, not much room, difficult
2 Rack and pinion--would need steering shaft FAR to the right, many don't have enough travel, and may not be strong enough
3 "Orbital" valve and a steering cylinder--expensive as hell, unless I found a good used one -- if anyone knows where "dead wheat combine heaven" is..........
(The problem I THINK with orbital valves is that you have NO steering without engine power. If I ever needed to tow or coast the tractor a short distance this would be a problem)
4 The old "drag link cylinder" used on older Chivvies (up to 63/64?) Chevy II's and Corvetts, some Mustangs/ Torinos and older Ford pickups
This has a control valve that hooks to the pitman arm, and a hydralic cylinder.
I THINK I COULD DO THAT, but
has anyone played with these? How adaptable are they? Seems to me some may have special flanged hookups that might be difficult to deal with. In other words, who knows what is adaptable?
Seems to me I would not HAVE to use an automotive cylinder, should be able to use a double acting hydraulic cylinder of proper stroke and bore??
This is what the 'Stang stuff looks like, I don't need the pump
Chevy II valve:
How it all hooks up, evidently a 70 'Stang
63-79 Corvette:
In the photo below, look just to the left of the chain which lifts the blade. You can see the exposed steering shaft/ column coming down to the big "bulb" that is the steering box. That casting is part of a large casting which can not be removed
My little Farmall 100 (same as "Super A"), with the front loader (extra weight) BADLY needs PS, especially with my arthritis getting worse, and I'm simply getting older and weaker.
First problem is the "steering box" on these is part of a huge casting which ties the front of the engine, radiator, and front axle and loader mount all together. The box is part of a big casting, and cannot be removed.
I had bought hydraulic "torque booster" (Char-lynn or behlen) which is a device goes right in the column. BUT those units put more stress on the old box, and I'm afraid the "old box" isn't up to the task.
So I've been thinking of possibilities
1 Conventional PS box, IE Mopar style. Hard to mount with the old box in the way, would entail brazing/ welding TO CAST IRON, not much room, difficult
2 Rack and pinion--would need steering shaft FAR to the right, many don't have enough travel, and may not be strong enough
3 "Orbital" valve and a steering cylinder--expensive as hell, unless I found a good used one -- if anyone knows where "dead wheat combine heaven" is..........
(The problem I THINK with orbital valves is that you have NO steering without engine power. If I ever needed to tow or coast the tractor a short distance this would be a problem)
4 The old "drag link cylinder" used on older Chivvies (up to 63/64?) Chevy II's and Corvetts, some Mustangs/ Torinos and older Ford pickups
This has a control valve that hooks to the pitman arm, and a hydralic cylinder.
I THINK I COULD DO THAT, but
has anyone played with these? How adaptable are they? Seems to me some may have special flanged hookups that might be difficult to deal with. In other words, who knows what is adaptable?
Seems to me I would not HAVE to use an automotive cylinder, should be able to use a double acting hydraulic cylinder of proper stroke and bore??
This is what the 'Stang stuff looks like, I don't need the pump
Chevy II valve:
How it all hooks up, evidently a 70 'Stang
63-79 Corvette:
In the photo below, look just to the left of the chain which lifts the blade. You can see the exposed steering shaft/ column coming down to the big "bulb" that is the steering box. That casting is part of a large casting which can not be removed