Drop arm, kit or whole arm, that is the question?

[2234jones]

Hi all,

well I had in the past used a kit to change the lower ball joint on the Drop arm, however when i removed the top shim, I damaged the inside, which caused the new shim to crack, so I bought a whole arm off ebay which cost $66-00 delivered. A little bit more than the kit itself. Link below.

LAND ROVER DROP ARM ASSEMBLY - eBay, Other, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 30-May-10 07:17:19 AEST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220564241905&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_1182)

First of all I went to my local trade tools supplier and bought a good puller for just under $24-00.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/804.jpg

Then you'll need some other tools, a large socket set, or a 32mm spanner to remove the large drop arm nut and a 19mm to remove the ball joint nut, however I also had to have a 22mm for the new ball joint nut. A chisel to bend the locking washer, a ball joint separator, a hammer, pliers a rag.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/805.jpg

Once you have these it takes about ten minutes to change. I loosened the large nut. but don't remove it fully, as this prevents it from dropping.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/806.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/807.jpg

Once you have done that, remove the ball joint with the 19mm and the separator

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/808.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/809.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/810.jpg

Once this is done, place the puller on the drop arm and wind up until it pulls the drop arm off the splines of the steering box.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/07/1626.jpg

Now remove the nut and the arm comes off very easily.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/811.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/812.jpg

Now we can compare the new and old drop arms. Look inside the spline part of the drop arm and the shaft from the steering box, you will see there is a wide spline to ensure you put the arm on correctly, as shown.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/813.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/814.jpg

Once lined up, push the drop arm on by hand and place the locking washer and nut then tighten with the socket.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/806.jpg

Once tightened to the desired torque, bend the locking washer.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/815.jpg

Then place the drag link on and tighten the nut placing the split pin in to prevent the nut becoming loose.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/809.jpg

All done and check the drop arm and get someone in the vehicle with the engine running and turn the steering side to side. Once checks are done, it's good to go and it only took me ten minutes.

Hope this helps, cheers Mark

Land Rover 200 Tdi Defender owner (http://landroverfreak.blogspot.com)

[123rover50]

I have done mine once before. This time I noticed play and bought a kit. Pulled the arm off and saw the circlip was,nt seating in the groove.The shoulder of the groove was worn so decided to scrap it. Bought an arm for $100 and installed it . All OK. Now see arms for $50. Must buy a couple for next time.

[2234jones]

It's always the way, you buy something and then you find it cheaper else where.
cheers Mark

[350RRC]

Now remove the nut and the arm comes off very easily.



Some would beg to differ with that statement! :D

cheers, DL

[long stroke]

Some would beg to differ with that statement! :D

cheers, DL

Haha, yep i'm one of them, they can be a pain in the ass sometimes:twisted:

Anyhow great tutorial and pics:)

CHEERS TIM.

[2234jones]

True, they can be a bugger, but I was lucky, as I have seen people cutting the drop arm to get it off.

Cheers Mark:D

[Mangie]

Can you get a drop arm with a replaceable ball joint ? I only have a 2 inch spring lift and seem to go through drop arms annually.

[Bearman]

You can get them on ebay at the moment for $50 plus postage - hardly worth putting a kit in. Just replace the whole thing.

[mark2]

You can get them on ebay at the moment for $50 plus postage - hardly worth putting a kit in. Just replace the whole thing.

I just bought one of these ebay arms. While the quality seems OK, I thought I'd pop the circlip to check the grease situation inside.

There was a tiny amount of dry, brown grease, barely more than corrosion control. I greased it up and put it back together. Make sure the circlip is properly seated. (Don't ask me why I mention this:mad:)

[Vern]

I just fitted mine tonight, better check it for grease:(