Sloppy steering

[jtracy]

I've got an 1863 non P/S and there is a lot of freeplay in the steering. You can turn the wheel at least a quarter turn before you meet resistance. Is this common or should it be tighter? Can these boxes be rebuilt?

 

[kmcconaughey]

Jerry, it looks like the 1863 uses a steering box similar to the old <FONT COLOR="ff0000">I</FONT><FONT COLOR="000000">H</FONT> Cub Cadets so you should be able to go by the steering info in the FAQ. It won't be exactly the same but it should be good enough to use as a guide. Here's an exploded view of the 1863 steering box:

 

[jfitzgerald]

I just bought 1863 and it also has very sloppy steering, about a quarter turn. This one has only 600 hours on it. Since this looks like a common gear box, used on many wide frame CCs, is there a common fix (that lasts)? I looked at super CC power S. parts on ebay, looks like that would cost $300 or more.

 

[twthompson]

I don't have any experience with a 1863. I agree that it looks similar to the older models. I have adjusted the counterpart for item #2 on older tractors with good results.