I suggest you print out my message and take it with you.
I'll also include in this post an exploded diagram from the NH parts site as well as a parts listing to go with it so you can 'see' the innards and know what to expect.
whenever you do go and do the tests.. just make a new post in the ford section.. someone will see it.. there are at least a few other guys here that know these fords in and out.
what follows will be the parts lists for the steering box and the frot axle .. as well as 2 pics showing the front axle and box, in exploded format, with parts numbers matching the lists.
good luck, and post back. steering boxes are easy to R&R.. we can help you..
soundguy
parts list for steering gear:
1 2 8N3584B Cover Assy., Steering Gear Housing Side, No Longer Serviced, Start Year: 01/01/1953
2 4 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Washer, Lock, 3/8", Start Year: 01/01/1953
3 4 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Bolt, HH, Heat Treated, 3/8"-16 x 1.12, Start Year: 01/01/1953
4 2 8N33546 PACKING Packing, Steering Gear Lash Adjuster, Included in Kit P/N 251294, Start Year: 01/01/1953
5 4 AJ3576A BUSHING Bushing, Steering Gear Sector & Pitman Shaft, 1-1/4" O.D. x 1.38 Lg., Start Year: 01/01/1953
5 2 8N3576B BUSHING Bushing, Steering Gear Sector & Pitman Shaft, 1-1/4" O.D. x .84 Lg., No Longer Serviced, Start Year: 01/01/1953
6 2 87073S94 O-RING O-Ring, 2.500" ID x .139" Thk, Side Cover, Included in Kit P/N 251294, Start Year: 01/01/1953
7 AR 8N33544A SHIM Shim, Steering Gear Lash Adjusting, .063 Thick, Identification #3, Included in Kit P/N 251294, No Longer Serviced, Start Year: 01/01/1953
7 AR 8N33544B SHIM Shim, Steering Gear Lash Adjusting, .065 Thick, Identification #5, Included in Kit P/N 251294, No Longer Serviced, Start Year: 01/01/1953
7 AR 8N33544C SHIM Shim, Steering Gear Lash Adjusting, .067 Thick, Identification #7, Included in Kit P/N 251294, No Longer Serviced, Start Year: 01/01/1953
7 AR 8N33544D SHIM Shim, Steering Gear Lash Adjusting, .069 Thick, Identification #9, Included in Kit P/N 251294, No Longer Serviced, Start Year: 01/01/1953
8 2 8N33545 ADJUSTER Adjuster, Steering Gear Lash, Included in Kit P/N 251294, No Longer Serviced, Start Year: 01/01/1953
9 2 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Washer, Flat, 7/16", Included in Kit P/N 251294, Included in Kit P/N 251293, Start Year: 01/01/1953
10 2 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Nut, Hex, Jam, 7/16"-20, Included in Kit P/N 251294, Included in Kit P/N 251293, Start Year: 01/01/1953
11 1 251293 SHAFT Kit, Shaft, Steering Gear Sector or Pitman, R.H., Replaces P/N C3NN-3526-A, Includes Ref No. 4, 13, 14, 16, 17, & 6 thru 10., If Tractor is Equipped With 5 Toot
12 1 251294 SHAFT Kit, Shaft, Steering Gear Sector or Pitman L.H., Replaces P/N C3NN-3527-A, Includes Ref. No. 4, 13, 14, 16, 17 & 6 thru 10, If Tractor is Equipped With 5 Tooth
13 2 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Washer, Lock, 3/4", Included in Kit P/N 251294, Included in Kit P/N 251293, Start Year: 01/01/1953
14 2 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Nut, Hex, Jam, 3/4"-16, Included in Kit P/N 251294, Included in Kit P/N 251293, Start Year: 01/01/1953
15 2 86542743 ARM Arm, Steering Gear Pitman, Start Year: 01/01/1953
16 2 86553476 SEAL PROTECTION Seal, Steering Gear Sector Shaft Dust, Felt, 1.09 I.D. x 1.88 O.D., Included in Kit P/N 251294, Start Year: 01/01/1953
17 4 D5UZ3591A SEAL Seal, Steering Gear Sector Shaft, Replaces P/N 8N-3585 & 8N-3591, Included in Kit P/N 251294, Start Year: 01/01/1953
18 1 8N3548B Housing Assy., Steering Gear, No Longer Serviced, Start Year: 01/01/1953
19 1 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Plug, Expansion, 1-1/4", Prior to S/N 92900, Years: 01/01/1953-12/31/1959
19 1 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Plug, Socket Holes, 3/8"-18, After S/N 92899, Start Year: 01/01/1959
20 1 C3NN3503E Gear Assy., Steering, No Longer Serviced, Start Year: 01/01/1955
21 4 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Bolt, HH, 7/16"-14 x 1.38, Start Year: 01/01/1953
AR PL PROCURE LOCALLY Plug, Pipe, 1/8"-27
22 1 C0NN3C715A GASKET Gasket, Steering Gear Mounting Select-O-Speed Only, Start Year: 01/01/1959
23 AR C5NN3595B SHIM Shim, Steering Gear Housing, .002" Thick, Replaces P/N 8N-3595-A, Included in Kit P/N 251296, Start Year: 01/01/1953
23 AR 251296 KIT Kit, Shim, Steering Gear Housing, 005" Thick, Replaces P/N 8N-3595-B, Includes Ref. No. 23. (B,C, & D), Start Year: 01/01/1953
23 AR 251296 KIT Shim, Steering Gear Housing, .010" Thick, Replaced P/N 8N-3595-B, Included in Kit P/N 251296, Start Year: 01/01/1953
23 AR 8N3595D SHIM Shim, Steering Gear Housing, .030" Thick, Replaced by P/N 8N-3595-B, Included in Kit P/N 251296, No Longer Serviced, Start Year: 01/01/1953
24 1 356937S EYE Eyelet, .273 I.D. x 2.15 Lg., Start Year: 01/01/1953
25 1 8N33581 RETAINER Retainer, Steering Gear Ball & Nut Bearing, Start Year: 01/01/1953
26 2 8N3552 THRUST BEARING Cup, Steering Gear Thrust Bearing, Start Year: 01/01/1953
27 2 8N3571 THRUST BEARING Bearing, Steering Gear Worm Thrust, Start Year: 01/01/1953
28 1 NAA3575C SHAFT Shaft Assy., Steering, NAA, Years: 01/01/1953-12/31/1954
28 1 NCA3575A SHAFT Shaft Assy., Steering, Start Year: 01/01/1954
29 1 NAA3509B COVER Cover & Tube Assy., NAA, No Longer Serviced, Years: 01/01/1953-12/31/1954
29 1 311318 RIGID TUBE Tube, Steering Gear Housing, Cover No Longer Serviced, Replaces P/N NCA-3509-A, No Longer Serviced, Start Year: 01/01/1954
4 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Washer, Lock, 3/8", Start Year: 01/01/1953
4 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Bolt, HH, 3/8"-16 x 1.12, Start Year: 01/01/1953
30 1 B7NN3517A BEARING Bearing Assy., Steering Sector Shaft, Replaces P/N 310875, Alternate W/C5NN3N716A, Start Year: 01/01/1953
31 1 8N3518 SEAT Seat, Steering Column Bearing Spring, Start Year: 01/01/1953
32 1 8N3520 SPRING Spring, Steering Column Bearing, Start Year: 01/01/1953
33 1 8N3570 SEAL Seal, Steering Column Dust, Start Year: 01/01/1953
34 1 D6NN3600B STEERING WHEEL Wheel Assy., Steering, 36 Splines, Replaces P/N 8N-3600, 36 Splines, When replacing P/N 8N3600 W/D6NN3600B also use (1) C7NN3655B Cap & (1) D5NN3N602A Nut., Sta
35 1 356515S36 WASHER Washer, Flat, .70" x 1.50" x .04" Thick, Start Year: 01/01/1953
36 1 359295S7 NUT Nut, Blind, 11/16"-20, Start Year: 01/01/1953
front axle parts list:
1 AR NLS No Longer Serviced Axle Assy., Front, LH, NAA, NAB{8N3007C}, Years: 01/01/1955-12/31/1954
1 1 NCA3007A FRONT AXLE Axle Assy., Front, LH, All Purpose Standard, Start Year: 01/01/1955
1 1 C7NN3007H FRONT AXLE Axle Assy., Front, LH, LCG, Start Year: 01/01/1961
1 1 312637 Axle Assy., Front, LH, All Purpose, Heavy Duty, When replacing 312636 & 312637 you must order (1) NCA3006A & (1) NCA3007A., No Longer Serviced, Start Year: 07/0
1A AR NLS No Longer Serviced Axle Assy., Front, RH, NAA, NAB{8N3006C}, Years: 01/01/1953-12/31/1954
1A 1 NCA3006A FRONT AXLE Axle Assy., Front, RH, All Purpose, Standard, No Longer Serviced, Years: 01/01/1955-12/31/1964
1A AR C7NN3006H FRONT AXLE Axle Assy., Front, RH, LCG, Years: 01/01/1961-12/31/1964
1A AR 312636 Axle Assy., Front, RH, All Purpose, Heavy Duty, When replacing 312636 & 312637 you must order (1) NCA3006A & (1) NCA3007A., Years: 07/01/1958-12/31/1964
2 1 F3NN3106AA SPINDLE Spindle Assy., Front Wheel, LH, NAA, NAB, Years: 01/01/1953-12/31/1954
2 1 F2NN3106BA SPINDLE Spindle Assy., Front Wheel, LH, All Purpose, Standard, Start Year: 01/01/1955
2 1 F2NN3106CA SPINDLE Spindle Assy., Front Wheel, LH, LCG, Start Year: 01/01/1961
2 1 312635 SPINDLE Spindle Assy., Front Wheel, LH, All Purpose, Heavy Duty, Start Year: 07/01/1958
3 2 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Fitting, Lube, 1/8"-27 x 3/4", Start Year: 01/01/1953
4 2 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Nut, 3/4"-16
5 2 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Pin, Cotter, 5/32" x 1-1/4"
6 2 81811561 WASHER Washer, Front Hub Bearing Retainer, Start Year: 01/01/1953
7 2 2N3109 BUSHING Bushing, Front Wheel Spindle, Upper, 53/54 Use 4 pieces for upper & lower front, Start Year: 01/01/1955
8 2 NCA3110A BUSHING Bushing, Front Wheel Spindle, Lower, All Purpose, Standard, & LCG, Start Year: 01/01/1955
8 2 312662 BUSHING Bushing, Front Wheel Spindle, Lower, All Purpose, Heavy Duty, Start Year: 07/01/1958
9 2 81802871 RING Bearing Assy., Front Wheel Spindle Pin, All Purpose, Heavy Duty, Start Year: 07/01/1958
9 2 C0NN3123B BEARING ASSY Bearing Assy., Front Wheel Spindle Pin, All Purpose, Standard, & LCG, Start Year: 01/01/1953
10 4 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Bolt, HH, 5/8"-18 x 3.40, Start Year: 01/01/1953
11 AR PL PROCURE LOCALLY Washer, Flat, 5/8", Start Year: 07/01/1958
12 AR PL PROCURE LOCALLY Nut, Hex, 5/8"-18, Start Year: 01/01/1953
13 1 D9NN3010EA FRONT AXLE Axle Assy., Front Center, All Purpose, Standard & LCG, No Longer Used, No Longer Serviced, Start Year: 07/01/1958
13 1 312658 FRONT AXLE Axle Assy., Front Center, L/Bushing, All Purpose Heavy Duty, No Longer Serviced, Start Year: 07/01/1958
14 1 2N3039 BUSHING Bushing Assy., Axle, All Purpose Standard & LCG, Start Year: 01/01/1953
14 1 312661 BUSHING Bushing, Front Axle, All Purpose Heavy Duty, Start Year: 07/01/1958
15 AR 312710 SUPPORT Support Assy., Front Axle Threaded, Start Year: 01/01/1953
16 4 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Stud, 5/8"-11-18 x 2-1/16", Start Year: 01/01/1953
16 2 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Bolt, HH, 5/8"-18 x 2-1/4", Start Year: 01/01/1957
16 AR PL PROCURE LOCALLY Washer, 5/8" Flat
17 AR PL PROCURE LOCALLY Nut, Hex, 5/8"-18, Start Year: 01/01/1953
18 1 NCA3127A PIN Pin, Front Axle Threaded, All Purpose, Standard & LCG, Start Year: 01/01/1957
18 1 312659 PIN Pin, Front Axle, Threaded, All Purpose, Heavy Duty, Start Year: 01/01/1953
19 1 NCA3128A FLANGE Flange, Front Axle Pin, Locking, Use W/NCA3127A, Start Year: 01/01/1953
19 1 312660 FLANGE Flange, Front Axle Pin, Locking, All Purpose Heavy Duty, Start Year: 07/01/1958
20 AR NCA3135A RING Ring, Snap, Front Axle Pin, Start Year: 01/01/1953
21 AR PL PROCURE LOCALLY Washer, Lock, 1/2", Start Year: 01/01/1953
22 1 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Bolt, HH, 1/2"-20 x 1.12, Start Year: 01/01/1953
23 1 86507106 PIN Pin, Front Axle, Unthreaded, Start Year: 01/01/1953
24 2 86531713 SCREW Screw, Cap, HH, G5, 5/8"-18 x 5", Radius Rod Foot, Start Year: 01/01/1953
2 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Nut, Hex, 5/8"-18, Start Year: 01/01/1953
25 1 F3NN3105AA SPINDLE Spindle Assy., Front Wheel, R.H., NAA, NAB, Years: 01/01/1953-12/31/1954
25 1 F2NN3105BA SPINDLE Spindle Assy., Front Wheel, R.H., All Purpose Standard, Start Year: 01/01/1955
25 1 F2NN3105CA SPINDLE Spindle Assy., Front Wheel, R.H., LCG, Start Year: 01/01/1961
25 1 312634 SPINDLE Spindle Assy., Front Wheel, R.H., All Purpose Heavy Duty, Start Year: 07/01/1958
26 2 C5NN3125A SEAL Seal, Steering Arm Dust, Start Year: 01/01/1953
27 2 310799 ARM Arm, Front Axle Spindle, Start Year: 01/01/1953
28 2 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Bolt, HH, 7/16"-20 x 2-1/4", Start Year: 01/01/1953
29 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Washer, Lock, 7/16"
30 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Nut, Hex, 7/16"-20
31 2 NAA3270A KIT Kit, Drag Link Front End Includes: (1) NAA3290A End Assy., (N.S.) and Ref. 32 thru 35, Start Year: 01/01/1953
32 1 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Fitting, Lubricator, 1/4"-28
33 1 8M3332 SEAL Seal
34 1 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Nut, Hex, Slotted, 1/2"-20
35 1 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Pin, Cotter, 3/32" x 7/8", Start Year: 01/01/1953
36 1 NAA3314B SLEEVE Sleeve, Steering Drag Link Adjusting, R.H., Start Year: 01/01/1953
37 4 957E3287 CLAMP Clamp, Spindle Connecting Rod, Start Year: 01/01/1953
38 4 PL PROCURE LOCALLY Bolt, Carriage, 5/16"-24 x 1.38, Start Year: 01/01/1953
39 AR PL PROCURE LOCALLY Washer, Lock, 5/16"
40 AR PL PROCURE LOCALLY Nut, Hex, 5/16"-24"
41 2 NAA33271A KIT Kit, Drag Link, Rear End Includes: (1) NAA3307B End Assy., (N.S.); (1) Fitting, 1/4"-28 Lubricating; (1) Nut, 1/2"-20 Slotted Hex; and (1) Pin, 3/32" x 7/8" Co
42 2 A0NN3324A COVER Cover, Dust, Drag Link, Rear End, Start Year: 01/01/1953
43 2 310034 ROD Rod Assy., Tie, Front Radius, Start Year: 01/01/1953
44 1 NAA3503B Gear Assy., Steering, NAA, NAB, Start Year: 01/01/1953
44 1 C3NN3503E Gear Assy., Steering, Except NAA, No Longer Serviced, Start Year: 01/01/1953
45 1 NAA33315A SLEEVE Sleeve, Steering Drag Link, Adjusting, L.H., Start Year: 01/01/1953
46 2 E0NN3N442BA SPACER Spacer, Radius Rod Ball, Start Year: 01/01/1953
47 2 E0NN3N406BA CAP COVER Cap, Radius Rod Ball, Start Year: 01/01/1953
48 AR PL PROCURE LOCALLY Stud, Screw, 7/16"-14-20 x 1-7/8"
49 AR PL PROCURE LOCALLY Stud, 7/16"-20-14 x 3-9/16"
50 AR PL PROCURE LOCALLY Key, Woodruff, 1/4" x 7/8"