Ford 801: Aftermarket Power Steering Input?

arkanoid · Nov 20, 2010

Has anyone here used one of the power steering kits for an 801 series? I'm ready to bite the bullet and do it for my 861, but haven't quite figured out the direction to take.

I haven't heard back from Roland Jackson, but by the sounds of it that may be beyond my budget anyway. It does sound like the easiest path though...

I have heard that some have successfully used kits for the 3000. Anyone here have any experience? It appears to me that the kit may _almost_ bolt right on, but I don't have measurements to back that. I know the pump won't work, but I'm not worried about that.

I also notice that there are 2 companies selling what appears to be the same or very similar kit. Anyone have any experience with either?

http://www.glemcotractorparts.com/FORD-2000-3000-3600-3610-POWER-STEERING-CONVERSION-KIT-NO-PSKF1-PSKF1.htm

http://www.tractorpowersteering.com/tractor-power-steering-kits.php

Anyway, if anyone has been down this road already, I'd love to hear what you have learned.

JohnW · Nov 20, 2010

Don't know about the kits. Think I would just try to find a donor tractor at a bone yard that way you could get everything at one time and see how it is connected.

arkanoid · Nov 21, 2010

JohnW said:
Don't know about the kits. Think I would just try to find a donor tractor at a bone yard that way you could get everything at one time and see how it is connected.

Yeah, that's not a bad idea. I have considered that, but some others have told me that converting from manual to factory power steering is quite a bit more involved. I surely don't know enough about it to comment.

JohnW · Nov 21, 2010

IMO it is a more simple task to use the OEM than a conversion, plus if a need for repair parts should arise then it is an non issue to find them.

arkanoid · Nov 21, 2010

JohnW said:
IMO it is a more simple task to use the OEM than a conversion, plus if a need for repair parts should arise then it is an non issue to find them.

The repair parts issue is a good point. I have been thinking about that since I see that most of the kits seem to use a special cylinder with the linear valve attached. I can't imagine those are real easy to find.

My understanding is that to go OEM requires replacing the steering box (or at least changing out a gear). I haven't had a lot of luck finding all the components either. I guess maybe I need to study the OEM system and see if I can piece it together over time.

sixbales · Nov 21, 2010

I see that Roland Jackson has done an 861 before. But it's going to cost you!! Looks like he makes a neat system.

If you want to go the "used" route, keep an eye on tractorhouse.com.

At the bottom of the page, they have a "dismantled machines" section. Enter "Ford 861" and search. They have a few listed, at least one with power steering, but the steering box is missing. They also have many 801's, 841's, and 851's listed if parts are interchangeable??

JohnW · Nov 21, 2010

PS is nice and I would not mind having it on my 850 but it steers so EASY I cannot really justify the cost to add it. Does yours steer hard or is it just one of those things you want. If the steering is hard them maybe your money would be better spent on fixing what is causing the steering to be tight.

arkanoid · Nov 22, 2010

sixbales said:
I see that Roland Jackson has done an 861 before. But it's going to cost you!! Looks like he makes a neat system.

Yeah, so I've heard. I actually emailed him a while back and never heard back.

At the bottom of the page, they have a "dismantled machines" section. Enter "Ford 861" and search. They have a few listed, at least one with power steering, but the steering box is missing. They also have many 801's, 841's, and 851's listed if parts are interchangeable??

Hey, thanks. I've never searched the dismantled machines section -- good tip.

arkanoid · Nov 22, 2010

JohnW said:
PS is nice and I would not mind having it on my 850 but it steers so EASY I cannot really justify the cost to add it. Does yours steer hard or is it just one of those things you want. If the steering is hard them maybe your money would be better spent on fixing what is causing the steering to be tight.

Yeah, I agree the steering really isn't that bad on these things. It's a little tough sometimes with a full bucket, but overall not bad. My wife tends to disagree however.

I also find that after I drive something with power steering, it starts to feel like a must-have again. Just lazy I suppose.

JohnW · Nov 22, 2010

Now I understand, a bucket on the front makes ALL the difference in wanting PS

Ford 801: Aftermarket Power Steering Input?

arkanoid

JohnW

arkanoid

JohnW

arkanoid

sixbales

JohnW

arkanoid

arkanoid

JohnW

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities