Steering box drop arm play

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A

Acdadefender1

Member
Posts
18
Hi, I have a question about the steering box drop arm. I have a 90 with a terrafirma lift kit and 285 BFG’s. The steering has a fair bit of play before engaging the steering. Had a look under the front while the steering was turned left and right and the steering box drop arm had quite a bit of play in the bottom pin… is this normal??

Cheers for any help
 
Need clearer description of issue. Bottom pin? Is this the shaft coming out of steering box? Or where the drag link connects to end of drop arm?
Possible cause of play. Drop arm loose on box shaft. Bearing/shaft worn where it exits box. Ball joint on arm worn.
Sloppy steering can be the result of several other issues in the system.
 
It seems to be excessive play from the joint with the split pin
IMG_4994.jpeg
 
You'll have to take it apart but it's likely the balljoint is worn and needs replacing rather than wear on the crossrod end. The rubber boot looks split anyway?
 
If you choose the top selection ^^^^ you will need a big socket and possibly a puller.

Choose a lower selection and you may need some clamps and patience, cos getting that bottom plate in and the circlip is fun.
I went the middle option and enjoyed my whole therapeutic day ;).

J
 
marjon said:
If you choose the top selection ^^^^ you will need a big socket and possibly a puller.

Choose a lower selection and you may need some clamps and patience, cos getting that bottom plate in and the circlip is fun.
I went the middle option and enjoyed my whole therapeutic day ;).

J
Click to expand...
Can’t wait! 🤣
 
How much play should there be in the lower ball joint? If it’s not that are there any other obvious things I should look for with the steering? Thanks again
 
Acdadefender1 said:
How much play should there be in the lower ball joint? If it’s not that are there any other obvious things I should look for with the steering? Thanks again
Click to expand...
As above.
You can probably twist the rod but it should not move up.

Mine was a split gaiter which dried out the joint, which then “probably” broke the spring.

IMG_0080.jpeg
Can you tell which is which ;).

But if you follow the line of the steering to each wheel you will find a few more, so they all need checking, all the little bits of slack add up to a lot.

J
 
tom1979 said:
Not very often, and they are a pain to fit. Also often find the splines are worn anyway. Best off replacing the whole arm which isn't too expensive or converting to a Discovery type drop arm and drag link.
Click to expand...
yep easier for the disco arm. Easier to change TRE. Get the kit so you can put new steering tubes & RTC shock back on.
 
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