Hi. I have an '01 D2 with about 135k on the odometer. I bought it used at 18k miles and have never replaced any steering or suspension components except for a new steering pump around 105k. When driving on relatively smooth roads, the disco tracks fine. But, if I am on a road that has indentions/ruts from 18 wheelers, the disco seems to loose control a bit. Its as though the tires are running up and down the ruts, turning slightly as they run down one side then turning again when they start running up the other side. It feels as though I am chasing the tires with the steering wheel. Also, there is a bit of a dead spot at the neutral position.

So.....are there any easy ways to determine if its a worn steering box, bushings, shocks, springs, etc...I have crawled under the car,jacked up the front end, and had my wife turn the steering wheel from lock to lock to see if there was any slack or delay in the wheels turning, but didn't notice any. I am sure I need to replace all of my bushings, shocks and springs by this point, but want to get the steering tightened up as job 1. Unfortunately this thing never sees mud, so shocks and springs aren't on the list right now.

Thanks,

 

ever get this issue fixed? I have the same problem exactly

 

Hi DiscoBeau,
I did get the issue fixed, but replaced quite a few things in the process. Since posting the original message I've replaced all four shocks and steering damper with Bilstein untis (made no difference to vague steering), but then I replaced the steering box (new unit $795-ish), as well as replaced track rod, drag link and ball joints on all four ends (around $200 I think). These I replaced all at the same time so not sure if replacing just the steering box would have resulted in crisper steering or not, but I have to think it would.


I replaced all of these myself, the steering box being the most fiddly. You definitely want to have an extra set of hands for that. Hardest part was separating the steering column from the spline where it meets the box. The whole job took all afternoon, but well worth it. Make sure you isolate the steering wheel when you disconnect the column from the steering box so it doesn't turn.


For instructions, I just used the Rave manual. Seemed pretty straightforward. I went directly to a tire store after and had it aligned and new tires put on all four corners. Believe me, when I got in it to drive home I was amazed!!!! There is a diagonal bridge seam near my house that used to make the truck shake like a you know what. Now it just glides across it. (Replacing the shocks and damper did nothing to alleviate the shaking on that bridge seam btw).


So, my guess is that the steering box made the most difference, although the ball joints could have tightened things up a bit as well.


Good luck.