I was told that I would need a different axle for the conversion so that's what I did. Rich at Patton's told me that I could also use a JD power steering valve which was true. I listened to the guys that have a lot more knowledge than I did. One thing I do know is that the 1862 axle has a better turn range than my 1811 axle did. With PS it is so easy to turn that you need all of the turning range that you can get. To me it would seem that your axles are the same in size since they are from the same basic model. The PS lever arm that sits atop the spindle on the left side has to be of a certain strength because of the pressure imparted to it especially standing still in mud or deep dirt. No matter how the wheel is mired it will turn! The arm on the 1862 spindle was much beefier than the OEM one on my 1811. The only negative I found on the 1862 was that it did not come with bushings on the spindles. My spindles are a little wobbly and there is nothing I can do about it except bore out the axle and add bushings. I asked if anyone had done this but got no reply. Good luck with your project and I will be glad to help you any way I can.
