IFS ball joints inc. steering etc

[dieselboy]

What can I do to help the front of my Surf now that it has a lift, larger and wider tyres?

I have the wobbly steering syndrome once again where the two front wheels are able to move a little more independantly of each other. I cured this issue before by replacing the four ball joints and the track rods. I think I'll have to do this again, but are there better or stronger parts available that can withstand having 33 x 12's? Are there angled ball joints available for us? I wouldn't know where to look?

I also accept that I may have been unlucky with parts. I've had past experiences with other motors regarding parts failing almost immediately after fitment. I usually use Roughtrax. Open to suggestions?

[VidaMusic]

I have everything from Milners, mainly because it's on my doorstep and a mate runs it, so always looks after me with the price. But, i've never had any issues with anything i've bought? I know a lot of people say they've had bad stuff from there, but i guess ya can be unlucky and buy a faulty product from anywhere.

I've got same lift/tyres and have no steering probs, maybe its something totally different mate?

Have you had pro set up of Track Rods and camber checked etc? Mine was wayyyyyy out after i'd put new tie rods, wheels, tyres and lift etc

[Karma Supra]

For ball joints and stuff I use Toyota.... it costs more, but you get what you pay for!

- infact the ball joitns were not much more from toyota than they were at rough trax! the lower ones are only £40 each!

[gary-r]

have you checked the idler and pitman arms. mine was a bit wooly after new balljoints and track rods. there wasn't much play in the arms but replacing them cured it.
i also binned the rag joint - it now has steering like a car instead of a canal barge.

[TonyN]

Check the other parts first, as mentioned, especially the idler arm and pitman arm balljoints.

Did you do the inner ends of the track rods?

My truck has been running 33's for years, and recently 35's and steering is all good on Roughtrax parts fitted when done lift.

[dieselboy]

Cheers all. What's the Rag Joint?
I've done the pit man arm and idler but may be they have worn again? Tony could you take a look for me please before Christmas?

[TonyN]

He means the rubber doughnut at the bottom of the steering column.

Personaly, I have at least a Poly one, there is a lot of flex between the chassis and the body, especially with a body lift, if you make the steering shaft solid something on the shaft is going be flexing all the time and quite a bit and maybe break with the stress, at VERY least I'd worry about the steering box input shaft seals.

Can do, but get your balencing checked again first, maybe swap the tyres front to back and see if it changes before worrying to much.

[Wolfracer]

AFAIK Puddlesurfer has replaced all the BJ's on his front end, might be worth asking how doing everything at once affected his set up?
I for one would like to know as mine sounds like a creaky old windmill...

[gary-r]

He means the rubber doughnut at the bottom of the steering column.

Personaly, I have at least a Poly one, there is a lot of flex between the chassis and the body, especially with a body lift, if you make the steering shaft solid something on the shaft is going be flexing all the time and quite a bit and maybe break with the stress, at VERY least I'd worry about the steering box input shaft seals.

Can do, but get your balencing checked again first, maybe swap the tyres front to back and see if it changes before worrying to much.

have to agree with you there tony but so far mines been ok. its only a road truck and hardly ever gets offroad so the flex shouldn't affect it. i got the tip from one of the aussie guys who do more extreme offroad stuff than the uk.

it does make the steering pin sharp if the rest of the links are in good nick considering its an antiquated steering box design.

[Albannach]

I replaced all 8 balljoints, the idler arm and the damper on mine. It was (still is) like driving a new truck. I'm going to have a look at the coupler soon too.

[TonyN]

have to agree with you there tony but so far mines been ok. its only a road truck and hardly ever gets offroad so the flex shouldn't affect it. i got the tip from one of the aussie guys who do more extreme offroad stuff than the uk.

it does make the steering pin sharp if the rest of the links are in good nick considering its an antiquated steering box design.

Was thinking about this last night (as you do... ) The UJ's at the box and steering wheel end will let it move around plenty, apart from any actual pulling forces, I guess the rubber is more for taking shocks from pot holes out of what you feel at the wheel. So maybe not such a bad idea, I would like to try a poly one instead of rubber or nothnig at all though.

[gary-r]

Was thinking about this last night (as you do... ) The UJ's at the box and steering wheel end will let it move around plenty, apart from any actual pulling forces, I guess the rubber is more for taking shocks from pot holes out of what you feel at the wheel. So maybe not such a bad idea, I would like to try a poly one instead of rubber or nothnig at all though.

the yard where i work (2 sq miles) is covered in granite stones, not the smoothest surface and i drive on it daily. i don't get any extra shocks to the wheel and im on 33s with no steering damper.
the yard gets pretty cut up with dozers, excavators and compactors so its a pretty fair test.

[TonyN]

the yard gets pretty cut up with dozers, excavators and compactors so its a pretty fair test.

Stop blaming the plant, its Lexurf doughnuts cutting it up, admit it.

[gary-r]

Stop blaming the plant, its Lexurf doughnuts cutting it up, admit it.

dont be daft - stone chips in me paintwork

the doughnuts get done on the grass

[dieselboy]

I don't know but I was thinking that because I have the 30mm spacers on, as well as the -43 rims and 12.5" tyres that there is too much leverage on the steering components?
There might be something else worn that I'm missing also. I've never looked into the steering box at all. I could get the tracking checked. I don't think they charge if it doesn't require adjusting.
If it is at all possible for you to inspect for any possible wear that would be great for peace of mind also. I will be away for an extended period from next year and I'm handing the Surf over to a family member.