[SimonB]

Ok, so now I am thinking if I am going to do the ball joints I might as well do the rest...

Tonossons in Claremont quoted me thus for the parts

Lower Ball Joints R175
Pitman Arm R161
Idler Arm R350
Tie Rods Inner R195/set
Tie Rods Outer R177/set

Now you 4e's have done this recently. Any photo's, hints trips, gotchas?

[4ePajero]

Now you 4e's have done this recently. Any photo's, hints trips, gotchas?

Nah, I did not take photos.
Although there is not much that can go wrong.

I would

• clean the steering/suspension parts as well as you can (on the vehicle). I hate working on dirty parts
• mark LHS and RHS components with white paint
• take photos from all angles
• measure ball-joint to ball joint distance on the tie rod (to set it close to correct, so that you can drive to the wheel alignment shop without ruining the new Kumhos)
• put Pajero on trestles (chocks behind rear wheels, handbrake on)
• mark the position of the Pitman arm on it's shaft (not critical, but makes centering of steering wheel easier)
• remove wheels
• remove all bits (4lb hammer, ball joint splitting tool etc)
• the Pitman takes a bit of hard moering
• place on floor and take more pics.
• disassemble
• fit new bits, ensuring thread usage is same on both ends of the rod
• set distance as measured previously
• make sure tie rod ends are locked properly
• fit split pins to castle nuts
• re-assemble to Pajero (check manual for torque specs)
• grease idler (if it has a grease nipple)
• have alignment done (make sure they centre the steering wheel)
• enjoy the savings in $$s
• enjoy the 'solid' feel to the steering (if there is still some 'looseness', the steering box needs to be set a bit tighter (another subject)

[HBannink]

Hammer = Problem solver

The bigger the problem, the bigger the hammer

[4ePajero]

Hammer = Problem solver

The bigger the problem, the bigger the hammer

.... and if you can't fix it with a hammer, it's an electrical problem!