8N steering box

Needler · Jul 7, 2009

We're looking at our first purchase and I have a question. Can you put a '48 steering box on in place of the Spicer '49? The tractor we're looking at has all the indications that it is a '48, engine, clevis pins etc but it has a Spicer adjustable steering box. We live in the city and don't need it to work an active farm. We just want a project we can work on together and make something slick, and maybe give the neighbors a little reason to wonder about us!

Thanks for the help.

Steve (Magnolia TX) · Jul 7, 2009

:MTF_wel2:

The adjustable steering box wasn't introduced until mid-1950, but still... to the best of my (limited) knowledge... you should be able to replace one entire box for the other.

The steering boxes on the 9N/2N is different from the 8N and is therefore NOT interchangeable, but... within the 8N I believe it is.

:goodl:

DrBailey · Jul 7, 2009

I did install a 51 gear box onto my 49 , if that helps . No alterations needed.

JohnW · Jul 7, 2009

I think you will find that over the years MOST "N's" are of the mix and match variety. :wwp:

souNdguy · Jul 7, 2009

I also agree that you can interchange the old and new style boxes with minimal, if any, mods.

Just keep in mind.. the old style box was adjustable as well.. just not in the same way as the new style box. ld style box you popped out the side cover screws and rotated the side covers.. etc.

soundguy

Needler · Jul 7, 2009

Steve,
Even in your chart it says the adjustable box was introduced in '49 so now I am even more confused! Is the dash different in the '48 and the late 49 and up? The pictures that I have seen seem to show a slight difference in the hump that the shaft goes through. It could be just the angle of the picture for all I know!

souNdguy · Jul 7, 2009

ALL 8N BOXES WERE ADJUSTABLE! PERIOD.

late boxes adjusted with studs. early boxes adjusted with rotating side covers.

pick up your service manual and verify that info.. it's in there.

soundguy

Dan · Jul 7, 2009

I "believe" the tie rods are slightly different in length. I am getting a case of CRS, so I am not 100% sure of this...

Dan

souNdguy · Jul 8, 2009

May be.. but the box itself will bolt right on. I'v heard some say they had to tweak the sheet metal a lil though. I've never done the swap so can't say for sure.

soundguy

Ken N Tx · Jul 8, 2009

Dan said:
I "believe" the tie rods are slightly different in length. I am getting a case of CRS, so I am not 100% sure of this...

Dan

I could be wrong also, I have never heard of anyone having a problem with the tie rods..Are they not connected to the arms not the box??

Dan · Jul 8, 2009

Ken N Tx said:
I could be wrong also, I have never heard of anyone having a problem with the tie rods..Are they not connected to the arms not the box??

Yep - but the arms on the later version sit in a different place I believe. I just checked the pics between my 1948 and 1952 8Ns - on the 48 the left steering sector is closest to the front of the tractor, and on the 52 it is furthest. Remember, on the 8N the steering sectors are stacked one behind the other - not side by side like a 9N/2N steering box.

HTH,
Dan

Needler · Jul 8, 2009

What we are trying to do is to determine the actual year of this tractor. It has the narrow lift arms on the 3 point, the tube type radius arms without the exposed bolt, the Spicer steering box and an engine with a '48 serial number. We are trying to determine if this is actually a '48 that someone changed the steering box on or if it is a '49+ with a '48 motor.

Sorry about this but hubby wanted me to clarify!

:thanku:

JohnW · Jul 8, 2009

Then you might come closer to the date of manufacture by using the casing date from the Hydraulic pump. Seems that is the one part most folks believe is least likely to be changed from the original. Me, I would check he casting dates of the engine, tranny, diff and trumpets to see how close they are to each other and figure it was assembled probably about 2 to 3 months later.

Dan · Jul 8, 2009

More than likely a later model with a '48 engine. Engines are swapped frequently due to freeze cracks. Click on the link below for the absolute best identification information out there:

http://home.att.net/~jmsmith45/idhistory.htm

Dab

souNdguy · Jul 9, 2009

ditto on that john smith link.. also ditto to check ing the axle codesand hydro pump date if it has one. i've seen some that don't.

soundguy

8N steering box

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