Adding Power Steering to Ford 1700 4wd

[jimmer2880]

Looks like you were able to do the convert for significantly less than what I have in it.

I almost bought a column, valve & cylinder off of a JD318 to use. But, the ebay sellers didn't reply to my quesitons, so I didn't go that route. Wish I would have though, I'd have 1/4 in it that I do now.

 

[BWBrown]

What is the stroke length of that John Deere cylinder? I have yet to measure to see what I will actually need.

A related question: my loader valve has a factory installed plug n the power beyond port. Could it be as simple as adding an sae to hose fitting adapter, or do I need a special power beyond sleeve/part specific to my valve?
Bob

 

[DRL]

Bob
You will need a power beyond sleeve. It separates the return oil from the FEL and the oil coming through the center of the valve. It would be better to have a separate steering pump, maybe just a power steering pump from a junkyard. That way when using the steering and the FEL at the same time they would not effect each other. Unless you have lots of flow in your system that might be a problem.
Another idea to think about. A standard double acting cylinder has different displacement on each end. This means that you will have a different steering ratio for left and right(may or may not be a big deal). If you use a double ended cylinder you won't have that problem.

Like this

Surplus Center Item Detail

DRL

 

[BWBrown]

The double ended steering cylinder is usually (like in my IH2500a) mounted crossways, with a rod going to each wheel.

DRL,
You are correct, the push vs. pull rates and force are different. The thinner the rod, the less difference. There is also the possibility that mounting the steering arm of the wheel ahead or behind center will equalise the difference. Either way, I'm not sure the difference is enough to worry about.

Thanks for the definition about the power beyond sleeve. I'll be calling a dealer on Monday. I already bought the steering valve mentioned earlier. All I need is a cylinder and some hoses.

When I get it together, I'll post some pics.

You guys are great! Thanks for your input.
Bob

 

[BWBrown]

After doing some research, it appears to me that if I power the steering valve using the power beyond port, I will loose my steering if I also try to use the loader?

If this is the case, I may be better of using a priority flow divider ((right terms?) valve like jimmer did in his project.
I guess I'm a slow learner.
Bob

 

[DRL]

Bob
Your are correct, that is what I was talking about when I suggested a separate pump so the two actions would not effect each other. Flow divider will work also.

DRL

 

[jimmer2880]

From my discussions with my PS guy, you are correct, only backwards.

There is a model of the pump I used, which has a Power Beyond port integrated. When I asked him why I couldn't use this instead of adding the Priority valve, he told me that basically, it's all or nothing for the PB port. So, if I'm turning the wheel at all, there would be no fluid going to the PB port. As an example, I couldn't be driving through the field, and adjusting the FEL at the same time.

Whereas, the Priority flow diverter will merely give all the fluid the PS needs, but nothing more. All the "extra" goes to the diverted port (in my case, the FEL, then to the 3pt).

Does that help?

Also, I believe (but, don't quote me), that you can just plug the PB port on your pump and use a priority valve instead.

 

[nomad]

I have been working with Rick from Tractor power steering conversion kit and parts store. He is very knowledgeable and specializes in adding power steering to older tractors. I couldn't ask for better support.

He seems to be knowledgable, and has kits for several old tractors.
He has many kits in his stock or you wait for weeks before you get your kit? Just sent him an email. We'll see.

 

[diyDave]

Easiest way to do it is to use an automotive p.s. pump, belt driven off the crankshaft pulley for power, and the steering rack off a Ford torino, or similar. You cut and splice the drag link to install the cylinder and the control valve. the way this system works is that when you steer, the steering box pushes or pulls the selector valve to extend or retract the cylinder. That way you still have steering, even if your pump goes bad.

 

[Soundguy]

Get a priority valve setup so the loader use won't kill the power steering. jackson power steering units are setup like this to use the laoder pump to power the steering.. etc.

Soundguy