[SuziNewby]

Evening

I'm new to the forum having accumulated what seems to be a Sierra SJ40. The steering was woeful and all ball joints were very loose indeed so I decided to replace the lot.

Bear with me here - I'm not familiar with the terminology around the steering assembly and for some reason I cannot include a diagram in this thread to explain. Hopefully what I'm asking makes sense.

I bought off the web what I think is the tie rod - it has two ball joints, one of which connects to the drag link. However when I went to screw the tie rod assembly into the hexagonal prism that is the steering adjustment I found that the new thread diameter of the new tie rod (or whatever it is called) is larger than the old one, so is unuseable.

Any idea what I have bought? Apart from the thread diameter size the part looks identical to the old one.

Incidentally this Sierra has front disc brakes, but I see comments on the web indicating that the SJ40/410 had drums on the front, at least initially. When were discs fitted?

Finally - and at the risk of really putting my foot in it, I'm actually a Landrover nut. And I have to say that working on the Sierra reminds me of working on a Series landrover a lot (except that the parts seem to come off easier off the Suzuki). Years ago - in 1988 I drove a SJ40 across the Sahara - so I suppose my Landrover sins might be partially forgiven?

I'd be grateful for any advice. Also - I live in Townsville - any advice on the best Suzi support in the Cairns - Townsville - Mackay region?

best Wishes


Michael