Which steering box is best?

**wovenrovings** · 20th February 2008, 09:38 AM

It seems that my steering box that i was getting repaired is hadit. It is bent, worn and rusted! And the one in the vehicle as a hole in the casing so I am up for another box. So what i wanted to know is which of the landrover steering boxes is the most durable. My vehicle has a 3 bolt box which has bushes on the sector shaft. I have heard that a box with needle rollers would be better. So does one of the 4 bolt (adwest) boxes have this? What is the difference between a lightweight 4 bolt and a heavyweight 4 bolt?
And the gemmer 6 bolt box is it any good (if I was to obtain one)?

It is hard work driving with out power steering.

Cheers
WR.

**isuzu110** · 20th February 2008, 09:50 AM

Don't ask me how, but I managed to crack the casing on the 3-bolt box in my Isuzu County some time ago. I had a refurbished 4 bolt box replace it which included the mod to replace the problematic output bush with a bearing. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe both the 3 and 4 bolt boxes have a bush as standard on the sector shaft. The bearing conversion is a mod in both cases.

The powersteering place that did the work had 3 and 4 bolt boxes in stock but believed the 4-bolt casing was stronger so I took their advice. Something to do with the extra bolt in the cap offering more support to the sides of the box.

I was not aware they were 2 types of 4-bolt (light and heavy). I have no idea which mine was.

Mr Goodwrench (sus name I know but does know his stuff) in Bowen Hills Brisbane did my work and I'm happy to recommend him.

**wovenrovings** · 20th February 2008, 10:03 AM

Thanks for that isuzu110, i didn't know there was a mod that could be done. Apparently the external difference between the light and heavy boxs is the light one has an alloy top and bearings, I have no idea what vehicles they came in. Someone correct me if I have got this mixed up.

**PhilipA** · 20th February 2008, 01:38 PM

On a Range Rover, the fourbolt? boxes had bearings fitted in mid 1991 production., after a certain Vin number.
I know mine has a bearing (according to the VIN) and it hasn't leaked in the 8+ years I have had the car, and AFAIK it has never been touched from new.
So they came with both bushes and bearings.
Regards Philip A

**wovenrovings** · 20th February 2008, 02:00 PM

Thanks PhillipA, do you remember what the top of your steering box is made out of? Aluminium or Cast iron? Just wondering if it was a lightwieght one.

WR.

**PhilipA** · 20th February 2008, 03:08 PM

No but from memory it's steel. SWMBO has the car at present so cannot check.
Regards Philip A

**PAT303** · 20th February 2008, 03:19 PM

I have a 4 bolt needle roller bearing box in my defender that I bought in from the UK for half what it cost's here and it is a good thing.The earlier bush style box has been a known problem. Pat

**wovenrovings** · 20th February 2008, 03:25 PM

If you don't mind could you tell me who you got it off in the UK and how you got it here? I would have thought something as heavy as a steering box would have had significant freight charges? Did it take long to get here?

Thanks
WR.

**mark2** · 21st February 2008, 07:24 AM

Are RR and County steering boxes interchangeable? If so what years are compatible/backwards compatible?

**wovenrovings** · 21st February 2008, 08:06 AM

All RR(classic) steering boxes are backwards compatable to counties. All the later ones need is an adapter so that the county hoses will screw into the box as the thread is different.

I have purchased a box off Roverparts in Victoria out of a 95' disco. It is a 4 bolt with needle roller bearings. By all accounts these boxes give long service. Will see what it is like when i get it.

WR.

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