782D Cub#1 Power Steering Upgrade
 

Though about posting this project since did not see many posts with details of 782D conversion. The gas 782 conversion did not have the tight space with the flex disc joint next to the manual PS box.

Have two 782D. Cub#1 was purchased in 2006 with about 1000 hours and is used for mowing. When my wife uses this Cub, she has a hard time with steering. Agree the PS box needs to be rebuild again but with her bad shoulder going the PS route is the way to go.

I am using a JD 318 PS pump, Cub cylinder and proper GT new bracket from Messick.

The diesel cubs have very limited amount of space to work with.

Spent many hours where to position the pump. Original was wanting to install the pump behind the dual hydraulic spool valve. Was concern about interference with the battery box.

Next location was using manual box mount cross bracket. With PS pump in this location clearing both the flex disc joint and drive line, the pump is hanging halve way below the bottom of the frame. Was concern with hydraulic lines near PTO belts and lift assemble. The 50C Mower is currently on cub#2 so with the deck blocked all the way up against the frame there was still no interference with the pump valve.

I still did not like the hydraulic lines being so exposed. If it was not for the flex disc joint, could mount PS pump so the bottom of the pump was level with frame.

The solution is replace the flex disc joints with the ‘barrel’ joint couplers used on 2000/3000 cubs.

Enough said for opening first post. Attach photos with flex disc joint.


Bob G.

Used Cub#2 with mower to take measurements and check clearance.

Decided to do 2000/3000 driveline upgrade to gain additional clearance. Already had a #3093 driveline on hand. Originally plan to install in Cub 2 since this tractor mostly does pulling. Cut the end of the 3000 driveline and turn off the weld with the lathe. The ID of this driveline is 5/8” which the flex disc joint 5/8” OD driveLine perfectly slips into.

By the way, most of this information is not originally my ideas but a consolidation of other work. Will go back later and give credit to those who contributed.

To do the 2000/3000 driveline upgrade, I ordered from ‘Parts by Jeff’ in PA his CV adapter kit. Should have everything by end of next week. In meantime was able to mockup the drive line in order fab the ps pump mount bracket.

Now knowing where ps pump will be locate, can extend the steering column since the JD 318 column is only about 12”. Replace the steering shaft bushing with a piece of tubing to splice new tubing to column. Used 8 3/4” length of McMaster-Carr #776T171 1-1/2” OD, 0.049” wall, low-carbon steel round tubing. Found that exhaust tubing being slightly smaller OD. The JD 318 column OD measured 1.510”.

I have 3 conversions to PS.
a 1650. and 2, 782''s
The 1650 and 1 782, utilize the Deere power steering pump because they are less $$ usually,and more plentiful.
The udder 782, is a robbery from a super tractor, hanging under the tractor on a factory PS bracket ( I purchased it that way)
All work well and a nice addition, especially in my later years.
I set my 2 pumps on the original manual cross bracket about 3" higher that the manual steering box.
The pump/bracket is close to the drive shaft, but I don't have a problem as it clears by nearly 1/4"
Have fun, the wife will be happy when she is mowing and y'all are sittin' in da shade drinkin' barley pop,an watchin'. :biggrin2:

Thank George!

You were the person to give me the idea to look for the JD 318 pump. When you mounting 3” above manual steering box, was that a diesel Cub? At least on the 782D the engine rag joint sits right next to the steering box.

No Diesel, M18 Kroller :biggrin2:

There’s your dinner.

2000 series drive shafts don't work with the diesels. The rubber engine mounts allow to much movement and the blue plastic barrels fail. Go all CV for your drive shaft.

I assume this is about the fun of seeing if you can make this work. 1782's are easy to find under 2000 and have the power steering already there. I see one in east waterford pa on FBM for 1800 in very nice condition with a 60" deck. My 2182 is more thirsty but its dead even running cost when I factor the price of pump diesel over gas - unless your using off road diesel.
I dont know or endorse the seller and i dont know where in virginia you live in relation to PA.

Matt G is running the rubber barrel drive on one of his diesels with no issues so far. I’d like to try that setup too someday on one of mine but I don’t have the time anymore, maybe someday. CV is the way to go but I’ve never had an issue with the rag joint system yet.