Seattle area- where to get a good steering box?

[4Runner]

So I have a 94 disco that I have removed the steering box slop from via the adjustment. I still have slop 2/3 of the way in either direction if there is any load on the wheels. The rest of the components are tight or new. I am thinking I need a new box unless I hear otherwise. Where should I purchase it from for a quality unit? Thanks for any help.

 

[Tugela]

I live in Seattle and purchase most of my parts from vendors on this site: Will Tillery, Marty Powell (screen name drillbit), Paul Grant, PT Schram, and others. Prices and service have been great across the board, plus I like to support the vendors who help keep this site going.

If you can't wait a couple days for shipping, you have a few local options. Gord'n at Lamorna Garage in Ballard sells used parts from his shop and has an impressive collection. British Auto Center in West Seattle also sells used parts. If you want a new component there are plenty of vendors- Lucky 8 LLC would be a good place to start.

The price difference between a new and used steering box might be as much as a few hundred bucks. Unless you buy a tested or rebuilt unit (Will Tillery tests and guarantees his used parts) you may find the cost savings is false economy when you have to replace the used part again. But maybe you'll find a good one, they don't all leak.

 

[4Runner]

Not really worried about saving a few bucks if its a good product. Going cheap on steering or brakes doesn't seem like a great idea. Don't like getting "hosed" either.

 

[Mike_Rupp]

I've bought a bunch of stuff from Will and his prices are always competitive. There's no need to shop around. I had a problem with an alternator that I got from him and he took care of it promptly. Just don't expect a long, phone call with Will. Just get to the point and tell him what you need.

 

[Tugela]

Mike is right. This is what my conversations are usually like:

Will: Hello?
me: Hi Will, I need a headlamp switch and a starter motor.
Will: Yeah, I got those. $75 for the switch and $90 for the starter.
me: I'll take both. Remind me of your PayPal address again?
Will: willtillery at roverguy dot com.
me: Thanks, I'm sending payment now.
Will: Okay.
me: Catch you next time.

Entire transaction takes less than two minutes, parts show up in a surprisingly short time. Parts work, truck works, I'm happy. In years of buying stuff from Will, PT, Paul Grant, and Marty I've never been hosed. Once I bought a headlamp from one of them, it arrived in pieces (broke during shipping), and I got a replacement in a jiffy. These guys do it right. It may seem weird buying a part from a guy you've never heard of on the recommendation of a couple strangers on the innernets, but these vendors have spent years establishing trust in this community.

 

[Mike_Rupp]

Wow, he must really like you.

Here's how mine usually goes:

Will: Hello?
Me: Will, it's Mike Rupp. I need a right rear taillight assembly for my 97 Disco.
Will: That's $30 shipped. (made up price; i can't quite remember)
Me: Thanks

 

[ChrismonDA]

Mike is right. This is what my conversations are usually like:

Will: Hello?
me: Hi Will, I need a headlamp switch and a starter motor.
Will: Yeah, I got those. $75 for the switch and $90 for the starter.
me: I'll take both. Remind me of your PayPal address again?
Will: willtillery at roverguy dot com.
me: Thanks, I'm sending payment now.
Will: Okay.
me: Catch you next time.

Entire transaction takes less than two minutes, parts show up in a surprisingly short time. Parts work, truck works, I'm happy. In years of buying stuff from Will, PT, Paul Grant, and Marty I've never been hosed. Once I bought a headlamp from one of them, it arrived in pieces (broke during shipping), and I got a replacement in a jiffy. These guys do it right. It may seem weird buying a part from a guy you've never heard of on the recommendation of a couple strangers on the innernets, but these vendors have spent years establishing trust in this community.

x2 Yeah, that's how it goes easy peasy!! Also quick shipping. Will is a very good guy.

 

[4Runner]

Ok then. I will give him a call next week. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Tugela]

Pro tip: don't call Will on the weekend.

It's a bit of an inside joke round these parts.

 

[stu454]

I always call at 0700 on Sunday morning.

 

[4Runner]

Has anyone else experienced their steering box having no slop going straight and then all the slop happens towards the end when you are turning??

 

[jafir]

Has anyone else experienced their steering box having no slop going straight and then all the slop happens towards the end when you are turning??

Is the box and the drop arm centered correctly? Most of these rovers have a place you can put a punch or bolt or something in the arm into the steering box to make sure it's centered.

Then you can adjust the play. It's probably best to have it aligned with the box centered too, but I'll bet a lot of shops don't.

 

[acg]

Ditto on Will.

I also get some of my parts from G&R Parts which is popular here in the Pacific NW: http://gandrautowreckers.com/locations.htm