Wheel free play

[Nigelblandin]

Just a quickie, Is the steering wheel free play 30mm each side of centre (60mm total) or is it 30 mm total?

[ScottieJ]

A bit is pretty standard on leaf spring vehicles as the axle can shift side to side a bit while steering.

Check the rag joint before the steering box (vw beetle poly ones fit)
Check the ball joints on the drag and tie rods

You might be able to adjust a bit out at the steering box as well but make sure you do it as per the service manual, if you over adjust it then it’s just going to wear faster.

[Nigelblandin]

Thanks Scottie, but I have done the whole front end- Kingpins, seals, drag link, steering box, rag joint, spring and hanger bushes…once I start I get carried away ( can’t stand half a job!)
It’s just the manual says 30mm, but doesn’t say if it’s the total play, or each way from centre. This now has about 50 mm in total with the wheels off, I want to check it again when it’s on the ground.
Feels ok to me, but it’s 35 years since I had a new SJ and while I remember a bit of free play I can’t remember how much!