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Dinnu



Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3475
Malta 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black
I would be careful on the drop arm fit. To my knowledge, 4 bolt drop arms do not fit on 6 bolt boxes and vice versa. Seems like the differences are very small, but a drop arm fitted to the wrong box may work itself loose.

Although I see the benefits of using Discovery drop arms, I still like my 90s to have Defender drop arms. Have only needed to replace one time a drop arm ball joint and was fairly easy with the right tool. 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black
Post #842177 6th Jul 2020 7:38pm
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Hufflepuff



Member Since: 25 Oct 2014
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 727
England 2005 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Tonga Green
I've dropped an email to ICS asking them what they recommend (refurb or outright buy of the 4 bolt unit), and if there is a difference in the splines. I certainly don't want to lose steering while careering along the motorway! 2005 Td5 90 XS
1989 V8 110 CSW
Post #842181 6th Jul 2020 7:50pm
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roel



Member Since: 08 Aug 2009
Location: Lelystad
Posts: 2039
Netherlands 2003 Defender 90 Td5 PU Caledonian Blue
From experience I can say that if you think you get more steering play that it is a good idea to check your drop arm. Whistle Roel

1984 90 2.5 na Diesel - RR V8 (1994-2001)
1997 Camel Trophy Discovery 300TDI (2001-2009)
2005 G4 Discovery III 4.4 V8 (2008-2018) It's gone but it still hurts.
2003 90 Td5 (2009-now)
Post #842182 6th Jul 2020 7:55pm
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jst



Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 8156
 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey
Dinnu wrote:
I would be careful on the drop arm fit. To my knowledge, 4 bolt drop arms do not fit on 6 bolt boxes and vice versa. Seems like the differences are very small, but a drop arm fitted to the wrong box may work itself loose.

Although I see the benefits of using Discovery drop arms, I still like my 90s to have Defender drop arms. Have only needed to replace one time a drop arm ball joint and was fairly easy with the right tool.


I like the discovery drop arm. Easier to change, less spares needed. If your off track a fair bit rubbers can deteriorate quick causing the subsequent water ingress destroy tres and drop arm joints.

The bottom of the defender ball joint can get damaged easily too on rocks making changing them harder. All depends what you use the vehicle for i guess. Cheers

James
110 2012 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop
Post #842184 6th Jul 2020 8:13pm
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Hufflepuff



Member Since: 25 Oct 2014
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 727
England 2005 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Tonga Green
ICS responded to say that the 4 bolt unit is better than the 6 bolter, so that is what I have gone for as an outright sale.

Curiously they were very against swapping the steering arms to the Discovery type, on the safety grounds that it isn't what they were tested with in the Defender - so did not answer is the splines are different between the 4 and 6 bolt units. I suspect they are actually identical.

Anyway refurbished 4 bolter winging its way to me for the total price of £318 including VAT and delivery. Given that the price of a brand new one is a lot higher, near £1000 on Paddocks for comparison:

https://www.paddockspares.com/ntc1580nor-r...right.html

I am pretty satisfied with this outcome, plus ICS seem to be very nice and friendly to deal with. It comes with a 12 month warranty, so the clock is on to get this project finished within 12 months. That's a tall order Smile 2005 Td5 90 XS
1989 V8 110 CSW
Post #842370 7th Jul 2020 4:56pm
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