I‘m not following what might be obvious…. If the front axle has to come apart, supporting the tractor becomes an issue doesn’t it? If a typical homeowner isn’t well-equipped to do a complex job like this…. it might point toward letting the dealer do the job (was my thinking, especially after my experience with a steering cylinder which was internally scored/damaged. If I’d ordered the parts to have the seals in-hand before disassembling the tractor…..I’d still be owning useless seals for an obsolete cylinder….having had to buy a complete newer assembly.) The M8580 is of similar vintage.
But it's not of a similar build as yours.
I'm really hopefully that he doesn't need the steering cylinder replaced, as it's also the front differential case, pinion holder, and differential carrier and is over $2K to replace it.
This is your cylinder, nice and easy to unbolt it and replace or repair it:
This is his, not so simple!