Zach,
I rebuilt my steering column last year. I bought a set of bearings, a cam follower and an upper bushing from my local Cub Cadet dealer, who happens to be a very large CNH dealer in the upper midwest. They gave me great service.
The ball joint tie rod ends are available through any of the sponsors, a Cub Cadet dealer and at Tractor Supply company. Tractor Supply may be able to order Cub Cadet parts for you as well.
Now a question: "Is the steering problem due to a lot of play in the steering wheel, such as a quarter to a half turn of free play in the steering wheel?" If it is, that can be cured with a new pivit pin (available at a CC Dealer or the sponsors) and a 3/4" x6" grade eight fine thread bolt and nut, with a couple of flat washers. What you need to do is to take the front axle off and use the bolt, washers and nut to squeeze the axle carrier to take out the slop in the axle pivit. Please be careful not to go too far. Replace the pin at the same time and grease as necessary. When I did this, I found it easier to take the engine out first, but that isn't difficult, either.
Perhaps someone can send a link on this procedure, as I don't know where they are.
It doesn't seem to me that there is any need to replace anything, jsut rebuild what you have and get the parts that you need.
That tractor, tuned up, will work circles around a similar green tractor.
Good luck, and please keep us posted.
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