Sloppy Steering gear

the steering gear on my 66 12 has allot of play, seems like the shaft it rides on is smaller than it should be, and the half moon gear just flops around. the shaft it rides on is welded to the tractor, not bolted in like some i have seen. i keep it greased.

Has anybody else had this problem and been able to fix it?

HI JOSH
HAD THIS SAME DISCUSSION A WHILE BACK. THE STEERING SECTOR (HALF MOON) GEAR & IDLER (TIE ROD ENDS ATTACH TO) ARE DESIGNED TO WEAR METAL TO METAL, NO BUSHING, SO YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR OWN BUSHINGS, GET AN ALUMINUM CAN OR TWO AND A PARE OF SISSORS CUT SOME PEICES OF CAN ABOUT 2" BY 2" WRAP AROUND SOMETHING ROUND TO HELP FORM, SIMPLY SLIDE UP IN HOLE AND CAREFULLY WORK UP ON SHAFT, MAY TAKE TWO LAYERS, TRIAL AND ERROR, CAN ALSO USE BRASS SHIM STOCK, GET SOME NEW THRUST WASHERS AT TRACTOR SUPPLY OR ANY FARM SUPPLY. ALSO MAKE UP YOUR TIE RODS AND DRAG LINK WITH 3/8" HEIM JOINTS.WORKS FOR ME.
HAVE A GREAT DAY
JIMMY

great idea! thanks for the advice, really appreciate it!