replacing right hand steering arm and splindle

[TrackerOwner]

I own a 1969 Ford 2000 Tractor, and I bought a new right hand steering arm and spindle because my right wheel was very wobbly, and closer inspection showed that the woodruff key had deteriorated and where the woodruff key and spindle meet also had some serious wear. The steering arm did not fit very snug, so I thought I would replace all 3 (steering arm, spindle, and woodruff key). The woodruff key fits snugly into the spindle, but the steering arm slot for the woodruff key is a bit small for the key, and it seems that the steering arm will not go on the spindle.

Can I use a file to remove some material from the steering arm so that the woodruff key will fit? Also, can I use a file or some other method to make the hole bigger so that the steering arm fits on the spindle. I used a hammer to try to get the steering arm onto the spindle, but that did not make any progress at all.. Power steering was added sometime in the past, and it seems that the correct steering arm to replace the old one can be found at Spindle Arm R/H | Ford | ARM1 Does anyone have experience with this type of steering arm?

Thanks!

 

[Texasmark]

Seems I had a similar problem in the past and I think I just trashed the key and used the locking bolt to hold the arm. So far I haven't been back to it to tweak it.

My opinion is that the key locks the spindle to the steering arm for ease in alignment in manufacturing on the assembly line. The bolt controlled clamp is way enough tension to prevent movement as I have shown.

On older Fords there were inserts for the axle where the spindle rides. i don't know if yours has them or not. If so you can feel the offset as you run a screwdriver down into the axle opening.

I remember that on one tractor I had a severely worn spindle to the fact that I couldn't get it out without driving it out due to a ridge that had developed on it from wear and the ridge was hanging up on the insert. In driving the spindle out it out the insert came out with it. There are 2, one at the top the other at the bottom.
On getting the steering arm wedge to wedge, lube everything up good, put the nut on and see if it will pull up. This has to be a tight fit so that it won't slip.

For removal, auto parts stores sell a U shaped wedge that fits between the two parts and smacking pops them loose. Problem in doing that is usually you sacrifice your rubber boot.