[lgtnorm]

I was looking over in the Case forum, and stumbled across a post about poor mans power steering. It seems those folks were installing a thrust bearing between the spindle, and the axle. Has anyone tried this on a Ford? I am going to redo the steering on my LGT soon, and was thinking of trying this.

 

[skyrydr2]

I feel that, if you need this, then you have other issues, as Castoff says in that thread.
If you want powersteering you need to do it correctly

 

[Kbeitz]

Just put an extra 10 lbs in both front tires....

 

[lgtnorm]

I feel that, if you need this, then you have other issues, as Castoff says in that thread.
If you want powersteering you need to do it correctly

I realize that I need to correct the other problems with my steering. I plan on doing that, and was just going to add the bearings as icing on the cake. I am going to redo the axle pivot point, replace the tie rod ends, and set the toe. Just wondering if any one had done this to their Ford, it would be really inexpensive.

 

[skyrydr2]

Reason I wouldn't do it, is it is just more things that can mess up when it gets dirty, ever see what happens to those bearings when they go bad? Makes a mess of everything in contact with them and around them. But I do feel your pain, and know exactly what you would like to have, as I too have an older LGT too(open side) and she isn't the easiest to turn, now I'm spoiled because my 165 has powersteering and the effort is nill at best. If you have the time and equipment ,powersteering isn't that expensive and boy does it work nice

 

[99flhr]

If you use the Mcmaster-Carr bronze thrust WASHERS with graphite plugs, there are no rolling elements to break and hence they can`t "make a mess of everything in contact with them" ( see above) I do agree that rebuilding the system, adding psi and a steering knob all contribute to lessening effort. The washer idea is just one more component. Had the added benefit of eliminating vertical play in the kingpin.
Have since bought a second tractor with P/S and I`ll add these washers to it also.
JMO

 

[gburnett]

Anything that can be done to make the steering turn easier is a good idea not only for the operator but for the whole steering linkage as well.Easier steering makes for less strain and wear on the whole set up.Thrust bearings weren't intalled originally because of cost and ease of production not because they weren't a good idea.

 

[denrocks1]

My LGT125 has very good and easy steering (well, it got a little bit harder now that the steering wheel actually moves the wheels)... Be sure to grease the spindles and the steering gearbox..