Steering Box Replacement

[the_preacher1973]

Due to leakage and a large amount of free play around centre I believe the time has come to replace the steering box in my 1985 110 County V8.

I've done a fair bit of searching over the last few days but would just like to confirm things before I part with money and order things.

Firstly, I would like to confirm that my steering box is indeed a 3 bolt box:

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9641/t4xa.jpg

I can't find any images showing the top of the 3 bolt and 4 bolt to be sure but I think the 3 bolts refers to the 3 bolts on the edge of the cover and ignores the other 2 bolts but I just want to make sure.

Secondly, is it worth upgrading to the 4 bolt design? I understand I will need a conversion set to change the hose fittings but asside from that it should all just bolt up?

I've found the following conversion kit from Famous Four in the UK. Is this all I need?

Famous Four - Part Information for FF003936 - Conversion Kit - Power Assisted Steering Box - 90/110 and Defender (http://www.famousfour.co.uk/new_parts/part_page.php?partID=7179)

Finally, I have an opportunity to buy a 4 bolt steering box that apparently is suitable for Range Rovers 1986-1991 and Land Rover County's from 1984 - 1990.

The dates for the County seem wrong to me as I thought the 4 bolt only started from 1986.

The images below show the box in question:

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/3627/j572.jpg


http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/4127/mgbj.jpg

Any issues with the spline as that is what they seem most focused on but I haven't read of it being an issue, only the fittings for the hoses are mentioned as being different in the many threads on here?

Also, would that particular steering box still need the conversion kit? According to the item description my vehicle should be OK being an '85 but everything else I've read leads me to believe I'll still need the fitting conversion kit.

Anybody able to confirm my ramblings?

[isuzutoo-eh]

Your current box is indeed a 3 bolt, and the middle photos shows a 4 bolt. You are right, it is the number of bolts securing the top cover on the box.
The only parts you will need as well as the box are hydraulic fittings or adapters to suit. It does look like the Famous Four kit will do the job.

I replaced my 3 bolt when it became dangerous so can't say if there was any improvement in steering quality.
If you do get a new pitman arm, you either need the 80s 110 type or you'll have to change the drag link to match the later parts. The splines are the same, but one has the ball joint in the draglink, the other in the pitman arm.

[steveG]

As Mark said, but you will also need the long bolts that go through the chassis into the box, as they are a different thread (metric vs imperial issue IIRC).

My hoses were custom anyway with the Isuzu conversion, so I got the ends modified to connect to the new box rather than using an adapter kit like you've shown.
I used a D1 4-bolt box which definitely needed adapting, but not 100% sure about the one you've shown. Possibly it has the same fittings as your 3-bolt.

Steve

[clive22]

In did mine a few years back too.

You need some long 12mm (I think) bolt assemblies to fix it into the chassis. I got socket caps cause there stronger and easier to tighten/loosen the via the head.

I had a hydraulic shop join up my old and new lines, if you can get a conversion kit do it, you'll need it.

I would consider getting a new pitman with your new steering box. I would not put an old one on. Mine had a lot of freeplay around that connection.

I would also consider replacing the steering uni-s whilst the box is out. Mine weren't too bad really but they weren't like new either.

There are some good threads with pics and all on this have a search.

[isuzurover]

This may be of use - an email from when I bought a 4-bolt.
It also came with the correct drop arm already fitted - which your pics above do not have.


Thanks for your enquiry,
We have a brand new Genuine Power Steering Box in stock for your vehicle.
The price is $650.00 inc GST (not including freight)

Regards,

David Harris
Parts Sales Manager
All Four x 4 Spares
david@allfourx4.com.au
All Four x 4 Spares - Home (http://www.allfourx4.com.au)
Phone: 02 4957 1117
Fax: 02 4957 3237

[Wallaby Ted]

I did mine in my 1985 V8 County about 10 years ago, I got the steering box and adapters from FWD in Brisbane. I didn't try and fit it myself, but Rick's FWD at Nerang did it when they were doing a service on it one time (I needed the carbs tuned), and didn't charge a lot to fit it from memory.


Richard

[the_preacher1973]

Thanks for all the info guys especially about the different drop arms. Just got to decide whether I go reconditioned or new.

[edddo]

I have a new drop arm (with integrated ball joint) that I dont need. PM if interested.

[marko66]

Hi All

I have just swapped a steering box from a D1 to a 95 model 110 and the only change required was the pitman arm.

I had to find a large press, 55 ton - 50 was to small, to accept the box's and they both took about 14 tons of pressure to press off, the knife edge plates were getting a beautiful bow to them :):D If doing this then tie the box's up with rope so they cant hit the floor, we did and I tried to hold it and didn't so it was a good save, Think we had to use the disco bolts to - it was a couple of months ago.


Regards Mark

[Nomad9]

Hi There,
TRS in Adelaide do an upgrade kit as well, hydraulic fittings and the 4 bolt, another option.

[Blknight.aus]

before you go blaming the box for play

double check the play in the steering shaft and the ptiman arm.

[the_preacher1973]

I have a new drop arm (with integrated ball joint) that I dont need. PM if interested.

Thanks. Not sure if I need it yet as it appears some boxes come with the arms, some don't so it depends on which way I go.

[the_preacher1973]

before you go blaming the box for play

double check the play in the steering shaft and the ptiman arm.

I actually checked that before I posted but after all your comments I went and had another look just to be sure. Box definitely has a lot of play as you can turn the input shaft (no play) a fair way before the output shaft starts to rotate. However, the output shaft also rotates before the pitman arm starts to move.

Looks like I'll replace box, pitman and both UJ's while I've got it all apart.