Wolf Wheels on a 90.

Hello all:
Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere, but the 'Search' function seems to be on the bugle at the moment.
I've just bought an ex-MOD 90, naturally aspirated engine and no PAS. It's a nice thing and appears to be in very good nick, but I'm finding low speed manoeuvring a real issue. Before I start gathering parts to convert it to power steering, is it possible that the Wolf wheels it's wearing are making the steering heavier than it would otherwise be?

StockportDiesel said:

Hello all:
Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere, but the 'Search' function seems to be on the bugle at the moment.
I've just bought an ex-MOD 90, naturally aspirated engine and no PAS. It's a nice thing and appears to be in very good nick, but I'm finding low speed manoeuvring a real issue. Before I start gathering parts to convert it to power steering, is it possible that the Wolf wheels it's wearing are making the steering heavier than it would otherwise be?

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Its inevitable that they will, but to such a small amount its hardly worth mentioning. What tyres do you have ?
Have you driven non power steering vehicles before ? My Series was always a bit of a chore to try and get manoeuvred around the yard.

NO,but the tyre type and size and their running pressure will .

ER1C said:

Its inevitable that they will, but to such a small amount its hardly worth mentioning. What tyres do you have ?
Have you driven non power steering vehicles before ? My Series was always a bit of a chore to try and get manoeuvred around the yard.

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Thanks ER1C, I'll check the tyre details in a bit. I've never had power steering on a Land Rover, and I've had plenty of Series vehicles, so I wasn't expecting to twirl the wheel with one finger, but this thing is ridiculous.

StockportDiesel said:

Thanks ER1C, I'll check the tyre details in a bit. I've never had power steering on a Land Rover, and I've had plenty of Series vehicles, so I wasn't expecting to twirl the wheel with one finger, but this thing is ridiculous.

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I wouldn't put it down to the Wolf's in that case. If someone has stuck mud terrains on and you aren't moving much I can believe it would be a bit of a bus. Simple one would be jack up the front and then try and turn it to make sure its smooth and free without weight. If it is it will lead straight to the tyres.

tottot said:

NO,but the tyre type and size and their running pressure will .

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Good point, thanks tottot, I'll check both shortly.

The results are in:
Jacked up the front and established that there isn't any undue stiffness in the steering, I can turn it with one finger.
The tyres are Michelin 4x4 - O/R 7.50 R16 C XZL Radial X, so a fairly aggressive tread pattern for road use.
I haven't checked the tyre pressures yet, I've been trying to find a definitive answer on what they should be. There doesn't seem to be one, so I'm thinking of going 35 PSI all round, given that the vehicle's empty and doesn't have a hitch at the moment.

StockportDiesel said:

The results are in:
Jacked up the front and established that there isn't any undue stiffness in the steering, I can turn it with one finger.
The tyres are Michelin 4x4 - O/R 7.50 R16 C XZL Radial X, so a fairly aggressive tread pattern for road use.
I haven't checked the tyre pressures yet, I've been trying to find a definitive answer on what they should be. There doesn't seem to be one, so I'm thinking of going 35 PSI all round, given that the vehicle's empty and doesn't have a hitch at the moment.

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Same wheels and tyres I have on my 90, ex-mod aswell. I tried some ‘normal’ wheels and tyres on the front and it made a very marginal difference.

I drove it for about a few years before bunging a tdi and PAS in it. TBH i got used to it. The key is not to start steering until you have some motion already, it makes a huge difference. Also make sure your tyre pressures are good, I found having the fronts a bit higher helped.

Avoid reverse parallel parking. Impossible.

However, if you can find the bits then fit the PAS, you won’t regret it. It improves the driveability a huge amount and transforms the vehicle.

You can fit NA or TD PAS - make sure you have a double or triple crankshaft pulley, the reatnis literally nuts and bolts.

Keep the wolf wheels, they look the best on army Land rovers imo

Thanks Flat, that's put my mind at rest on a few points, particularly on the subject of tyres. No point in spending a fortune on road-oriented tyres if they aren't going to make a huge difference.
Parking is a big issue where I live, so it's a good job the 90 will be kept somewhere else for the most part. Nevertheless, I think PAS is going to be imperative, I'll start collecting parts and see if I can get a set together. The engine has a triple pulley already, two big grooves towards the engine, a smaller diameter one at the front.
The Wolf wheels will be staying, as you say they look very good. I've just noticed that the spare isn't a Wolf, I might have start hunting one of those down as well.

Fit ivor williams trailer wheels

I bought a 110 direct military release, with standard wheels, it must have missed out on the Wolf rims.
The steering was terrible and like you I checked for seized components and found all in order. It was virtually impossible to steer unless the vehicle was rolling and reversing with a horse box was a whole new experience.
I fitted power steering (and a 300tdi) and the 110 was transformed. I have owned a Series 3 Lightweight on 750 SAT's in the past and driven old 2 door Range Rovers with manual steering, but the 110 was in another league.
My advice to you is to fit power steering as soon as you can and if there are any hills within a 50 mile radius of your home, fit a tdi or V8 while you are at it.

Do you have a bull bar? That adds to the weight of the steering

goonarmy said:

Do you have a bull bar? That adds to the weight of the steering

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No bull bar, but you've made me wonder how much the steering guard that the previous owner fitted weighs.

StockportDiesel said:

No bull bar, but you've made me wonder how much the steering guard that the previous owner fitted weighs.

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That will add to it. And winches/ winch bumpers that sort of thing

StockportDiesel said:

No bull bar, but you've made me wonder how much the steering guard that the previous owner fitted weighs.

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I would not have thought it weighs enough to make a significant differance. So keep it and fit the pas box to it. Nothing wrong with the na engine as long as you are not in a hurry. Will just keep going if looked after. But does plod rather than race along.

Just a thought, does it have a steering damper, I found removing mine made the steering quite a bit easier.

The 7.50 tyres are probably the best you can get for light steering, as you go fatter the steering gets harder.
205/R16 will be even easier, but they always look to small

Clunkbucket said:

Just a thought, does it have a steering damper, I found removing mine made the steering quite a bit easier.

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It does, as it happens, I take it there are no downsides to removing it?

I took mine off, it's only a 5 minute job. I have not noticed any issues but I have not done any major offroading.