Dinnu wrote:

A hefty puller for the old drop arm. Perhaps a new lock washer.

All you need is a pitman arm puller like this https://www.jgs4x4.co.uk/defender-steering...oval-tool/, don't use a bearing puller they are not strong enough. The key thing with removing the drop arm is to pull as in-line with the splines as possible. The splined surface for the drop arm is long so if you pull even very slightly from an angle it will bind up. It is often that you can get away with not using the proper tool for the job, but in this case use the proper tool. Undo the lock nut but leave on the threads so if it does break with a bang it won't go far. Fit the puller, tighten it up (providing the in-line force) and give the side of the drop arm a good wack with LR tool No.1. This method has worked every time for me. I remember once using a little heat from a plumbers torch to assist.

But... I am going to ask the question... Why bother with the Discovery conversion? What is so wrong with the standard Defender drop arm ball joint?

All of the above can be avoided, assuming the drop arm is sitting tightly on the splineds, by just replacing the ball joint itself, in-situ, using this kit https://www.jgs4x4.co.uk/land-rover-steeri...5tEALw_wcB plus the ball joint.

When it comes down to it Miffy is well on the way to a quarter of a million miles and is only on her second drop arm ball joint, but on her forth set of track rod ends. Seems to me the TREs wear twice as quickly as the drop arm ball joint

Could it be that fitting the Discovery drop arm might equate over time to more expense as the TREs wear quicker?

diesel_jim wrote:

Great thanks. Just about to order the GL kit.

As a side note, the 110 passed

Well done 110, Miffy Passed yesterday too

geobloke wrote:

But... I am going to ask the question... Why bother with the Discovery conversion? What is so wrong with the standard Defender drop arm ball joint?


Could it be that fitting the Discovery drop arm might equate over time to more expense as the TREs wear quicker?

Quote:

Think I've changed the defender BJ a few times. maybe because I don't get genuine LR ones they might not last as long, but they are a PITA to change.

Fair enough Nothing more frustrating than PITA jobs you have done one too many times...