1861 manual steering box upgrade??
 

I have read about how the steering box on older cub Cadets with the Ross box can be upgraded with a thrust bearing for easier steering.

My 1861 steers like a WW1 tank!! My older 149 with a loader, steers easier.

I had the front axle out during painting, the axle is nice and free.

So my question is, can the thrust bearing upgrade be done to an 1861, or could there be another cause to the difficult steering??

Attachment 15935

Is the toe-in set right? If not, it will steer harder than it would if it were properly adjusted.