Steering rebuild- pitman arm sector shaft (?) crooked

[EricWww]

Rebuilding my Ross steering box off my 1450 and checked the pitman arm and the plate was bent, likely from the factory when they welded in the shaft. This was a pretty easy fix, just put it in a big vice and hammered until it straightened, checking with a straight edge.

I reassembled the box and notice one end of the travel was stiffer than the other, so something was not right. Upon further inspection, I notice that the sector shaft (not sure if this is the right terminology- it's where the Nice 606 upgrade is installed) not straight. I think the factory screwed up and welded it in crooked as the shaft itself is straight. This causes the steering to get tighter at one end of the travel compared to the other, due to the plate compressing further against the foam seal- I can visually see this.

Has anyone else noticed this? Any correction suggestions? So far, I tried to clamp it in a vice and use a really long metal pipe for leverage to attempt to bend it, but mine appears to be welded in crooked from the beginning, so I'm afraid bending it will cause it to bind.

I don't have welding or oxy-acetylene equipment so my next step is to take it to a local welding shop and have them correct it. I also know ICHWW has replacement ones but at $100 and no guarantee those aren't crooked too is a little steep. Any other suggestions?

You can see it against the right angle of some steel how the shaft is not at 90 degrees. I was hoping to have my tractor done this weekend so I can do the first mow but looks like I'll be using the push mower

[R Bedell]

You may find this helpful...... Rebuild

[EricWww]

Ahhh yes, I actually had that very post printed out. Yes, my side plate was bent, that was corrected. My issue is not addressed in that post though- the shaft itself looks welded crooked from the factory. The old unit had grease all over the place and the grease seal was completely disintegrated.

Before side plate correction:

[R Bedell]

Put a pipe on the shaft and nudge it back into the proper geometry.

[guido]

It's not that the bolt is bent... The plate is warped from the welding process.
You could tweak the plate in a press or shrink it with a torch and cold water.

[EricWww]

The pipe method worked! I was afraid it was going to bend the pin and then I wouldn't be able to insert the stud into the steering box, or would bend the plate again - fortunately neither was the case. Glad I asked here.