1989 Ford 4610 Power Steering Questions

[runharley52]

I bought the tractor last year and have been very happy with it. However, the power steering has had a slight leak from the start and I'm hoping for some help getting it fixed.

First question:
The repair manual that I ordered states that my 4610 should have a single drop arm, power assist steering, but it looks to my rookie eye like it has double drop arm with power assist

Left Side. Small leak on this side that appears to be coming from the power assist area:


Right side - zoomed out looks about the same. This is the side that leaks the most - right around the felt washer, inside where the arm attaches to the shaft:


Second question:
Given the main leak is around the felt seals, does this mean I likely need to fully rebuild (new o rings throughout)? Any additional hints or tips. I have the manual that shows full dissemble and reassembly. Doesn't sound terrible, but also doesn't sound like fun.

Third question:
The steering ball joints appear to have excessive play. I can twist them back and forth pretty far. I assume that they should have little-to-no play when I twist it:


Last question:
for ball joints and power steering rebuild parts, where does everyone recommend I look for parts?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Soundguy]

What's your model I'd show?

 

[runharley52]

What's your model I'd show?

DS314C (I think)

quick google gives me this:

Model DS314C

The DS3 at the beginning says that it's a 4610SU.
The 1 says that it has a diesel engine with a vertical exhaust.

The 4 says it has independent 540 rpm PTO

The C says that is has the 8 speed transmission.​

 

[RickB]

So you have verified that the tractor is an SU model which is consistent with the double drop drag link steering. The service manual should have a section covering the repair of this box. If not, you have an inadequate service manual.

 

[runharley52]

So you have verified that the tractor is an SU model which is consistent with the double drop drag link steering. The service manual should have a section covering the repair of this box. If not, you have an inadequate service manual.

Thanks. I wasn't aware SU implied 3610 frame (your response led me there)

So order a rebuild kit which is basically a bunch of o rings?

 

[RickB]

SU implies 3610 style front axle, bolster, grille shell and steering box. The single clutch, planetary final drives, independent PTO and wet brakes are common with the 4610 all purpose model.

 

[Soundguy]

DS314C (I think)

quick google gives me this:

Model DS314C

The DS3 at the beginning says that it's a 4610SU.
The 1 says that it has a diesel engine with a vertical exhaust.

The 4 says it has independent 540 rpm PTO

The C says that is has the 8 speed transmission.​

View attachment 464939

Rick beat me to it, but yeah, SU was my suspicion. Think of it as the front of a 3xxx bolted to the back of a 4xxx.

You get the lighter duty front end, etc.

 

[runharley52]

Rick beat me to it, but yeah, SU was my suspicion. Think of it as the front of a 3xxx bolted to the back of a 4xxx. You get the lighter duty front end, etc.

Lighter duty = prone to leak? I have a receipt from previous owner for full rebuild of steering from 1 years ago. It does have a front end loader as well which could play into this.

 

[Soundguy]

Lighter duty front axle, less suited to heavy loader work, etc.

 

[Soundguy]

Google and compare the front axles and bolsters from 3xxx and 4xxx non su machines