Thread: Best source for new or reco p/steering box

Originally Posted by omvanders

Thanks for the heads up Pat.

I'm hunting one down for my Disco 98 Tdi, and was considering ordering one from LRSeries.com

They list a "genuine" Steering Box RHD 4 bolt type part no. STC8383E brand new for £349.99 or a brand new "OEM" "Adwest type" for £234 (plus freight of course). Now I'm confused as I thought Adwest was 'genuine'.

So Pat, was yours 'genuine'?

Also, the part number at Island 4x4 is listed on various sites as matching the LRseries.com part, and so my other question is, "did it come with a drop-arm?" ('cos I don't want one}

The one Island 4X4 sent me was identical to the factory one I pulled out,part number and all. Pat

Forgot to add that it had a drop arm on,straight out R&R. Pat

Wow, just got in from work and heaps of useful replies, thanks to all. Will look into the improved version from Bayswater, I've heard of some mobs doing a bearing mod to better support the output shaft and prevent premature sector shaft seal failure. If they cannot inspire complete confidence I will go for a brand spanker. Thanks again.

Originally Posted by POD

Will look into the improved version from Bayswater

Let us know how you get on with that, as I am in the same boat, and looking at alternatives.

Cheers - Gav.

Originally Posted by POD

Wow, just got in from work and heaps of useful replies, thanks to all. Will look into the improved version from Bayswater, I've heard of some mobs doing a bearing mod to better support the output shaft and prevent premature sector shaft seal failure. If they cannot inspire complete confidence I will go for a brand spanker. Thanks again.

Thats the one,with improved bearings etc. When you find them, post up the business name because i cant remember who they are....or where I heard about them.

Findings thus far: LRA do a reco, the only 'modification' they do is to seat the lower seal deeper in the housing so it has a fresh area of shaft to run on. Their reco price is $580 change-over plus freight.
Andrew at LRA strongly advised against one of the modified boxes with needle roller bearings installed on the sector shaft; he says that time has revealed that the hardening on the sector shafts is not up to the job and the needle rollers eat into the shaft.
I'm awaiting a PM from a member here who says he has access to a supplyof new boxes locally and was going to inform me of the price.