Great write up. I tried to start this several years ago but didn't get much help and the RAVE isn't too descriptive. This should help a lot of people. I rebuilt my entire swivels, not knowing you could just do the upper pins. Didn't hurt anything as I am close to 200k now, but had this thread been up, I would have just done the uppers.

After replacing everything and setting the box, the alignment guy couldn't believe how tight it was.

 

Great Write Up!!! Will this solve the "Loosy Goosy" feeling I have in my steering?

 

there are a few things that can affect your "loosy goosey" steering, but pre-load is usually a front runner. If you have the abilty, throw the front end up on jack stands, disconnect the steering linkage to one wheel and see how easy it is to move the wheel around. Should move with effort, but if it's extra floppy thats pre-load.

 

Just saw this.
One thing to keep in mind is that the spring balance method of setting bearing preload is only for non-abs vehicles.

Vehicles with ABS are set with a torque wrench using tool LRT-57-024 (or homemade equivalent) as described in service repair 60.15.43 steps 52 & 53.

For both ABS and non-ABS it is set without the swivel housing oil seal installed.

 

What about a steering damper? My disco was pretty much neglected... I am sure my answer is "all of the above."

 

Thank you Tom.

 

Steering dampers aren't for correcting loose steering. They are to absorb shock loading to the steering linkage, like when you hit a large rock with just one tire.
Ideally you'd want to remove your steering damper completely, fix any steering issues, then reinstall it, or install a new one if yours is worn.

 

Dude, excellent writeup!!! Thanks very much!

 

Chris mentioned bearings sort of in passing, but just removing shims should generally be considered a temporary fix. In the ABS type swivels the lower bearing gets crushed over time and just removing shims doesn't address that.

 

I'm glad you brought this thread back up, Tom. Good to know. I was also glad to know about the steering damper as I'm one of those owners who had the wrong idea about them.