I had someone install a new steering box on my 95 discovery and now my steering wheel is angled.is this normal and you need an alignment after or was it not installed correctly?

 

If all they did was install the steering box(did not adjust the drag link) then yes they messed up the install. They either didn't keep the drop arm centralized with a bolt, or the steering shaft wasn't aligned properly. Or a combination of the both.
If it was a shop that did the work I'd take it back and make them fix it the right way(not just adjust the drag link to compensate).

 

That's what I was afraid of. He was adamant that they all need to be realigned after a new steering box is installed and that I have it realigned. I tried to adjust it back straight on the steering shaft but couldn't remove it. I suppose I'll have to take it to a shop now.

 

The aligment of the wheels is not affected only the position of the steering wheel which is fixed by adjusting the drag link.

 

This is really simple.

Look under the front, you will see a bar heading from the Steering rack to the passenger wheel. If you loosen the clamp bolts on both ends (11mm - if I remember right), then take a pipe wrench and turn it just a quarter turn, it will change the steering wheel - but not the alignment. You can adjust at will, which is what the tech did, just perhaps a shade too far. Give it a slight turn, check it, tweek again....till straight.
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If you are taking it in for an alignment just be sure to tell them to center the steering wheel too. Better check to make sure you didn't bend your drag link and tie rod.

My alignment shop forgot to center my wheel, so I eventually did it myself just recently. A big azz plumbers wrench and lots of muscles and grunting is all it takes. The front tie rod that attaches to the drop arm is the one that can be adjusted to center the wheel. Spray lots of penetrating oil at the tie rod ends, undo the little retaining clips at each end, and turn the rod. If your steering wheel is turned to the right, then rotate the rod upward. Wheel to the left, then rotate the rod downward.
(this bit may be different on different vehicles. It was exactly backwards on mine.)
Do a turn, then take a little test drive, keep adjusting till ya get it centered.

Have fun!

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Just adjust length of steering arm from box to front wheel. Loosen sleeve bolts turn (lengthen/shorten ) link until steering wheel runs in middle.
Do not undo any thing else, esp steering wheel or box couplings..

 

That's a load of BS. Take it back and tell them to do it correctly.
If they refuse to, hopefully you put it on a credit card. Call your bank and dispute the labor charge. Then take it to someone who knows what they are doing. You don't need an alignment.

 

Thanks for the help guys! Especially for the step by step jastutte! I'm really disappointed in the guy who did the work. I think he knows his stuff but was just being lazy. I was going to get him to do head gaskets too but not now...

 

If you're replacing the steering box no tie rod ends need adjusting if it's done right.

 

Did the adjustment last night and after several adjustments the steering wheel is now perfectly level. Thanks again for everyone's help!

 

The proper way to center your steering wheel is to center the steering box by aligning the drop arm (centering), remove the steering column to box input shaft coupler, center the wheel, reinstall coupler. The drag link tube should only be used to center align your wheels. It should measure about 290ish mm from center passenger tie rod to center steering box tie rod. Rave manual has the absolute measurement