440 Steering Levers

[jac]

In the last stage of final drive rebuild and new steering clutch installation. Adjusting the steering levers and noticed quite a bit of free movement (~1") in the levers before the bearing cams start to move (both sides). Likely worn ball joints in the bearing cam rod. Adjusting the length of the rod will not be an option without taking off the finals. Can I simply take up the excess movement by repositioning the steering arms on the shaft or are they keyed to the shaft? The free movement requires me to have the throw out bearing almost at the end of the cam to get it to engage the pressure plate close to the required 1 5/8" adjustment spec. Did not think of this issue when I had everything apart

[Lavoy]

John,
Correct, no real way to correct it without taking them back apart. About the best way to do it without teardown is to change the resting position of ther steering levers. Look at the lever and where it hits on the steering clutch housing when at rest. Often this area gets pounded out by people just dripping the levers instead of letting them back with their hands. You can weld up the lever or the clutch housing to make the lever come to rest farther back towards the operator.
Lavoy

[jac]

Lavoy:

Thanks. I think I will do it correctly and pull the finals and shorten the tie-rods. They appear adjustable from what I recall. After all this work, taking the finals back off is minor.

[lastchancegarage]

John,
I once heard that "experience is a mother. she punishes first, then teaches afterwards. " After this you'll be able to break down your finals blindfolded!

[jac]

No big deal since I still have all the tracks and fenders off the machine, finals can be off in minutes. Just frustrating that I did not think of this when I had everything off. Thought I had retired my final drive cradle! Rookie lesson learned. Hopefully this posting helps the next rookie crawler repairman!

[Lavoy]

John,
I guarantee you if you do not pull the finals it will piss you off til no end every time you pull on a steering lever. In fact, it will bug you so bad you will eventually pull them anyhow, just as well do it now.
Lavoy

[jac]

Lavoy:

Completely agree. Hate the feel of the levers like they are. Finals will be coming off over the weekend. Going to tighten up the tie-rods and may make a bushing for the left side steering lever shaft since there is more play than I like. Fine tuning this to get it feeling right. This is the fun stuff.

[NYMike]

Lavoy and John:

Thanks for this advice. I was just about to bolt the finals back onto my 440IC, and your exchange reminded me that I'd not put the levers back on to check the play. Same problem as John, so you've saved me a practice round on the finals installation. Also, my '58 clutch housings are banged down pretty well on the contact point with the lever; looks like I'll get some welding practice instead.

Mike