And datsport had idler arms for about $80 new, 1200 and 120y ones that work too (rven though the are bent at the ends)

since fri arvo it's been fine?? steering wheel tracking on centre while driving straight ahead! and i havent done anything!

a motoring mate (who admittedly doesn't know dattos) said it maybe the steering box. do these require repacking? i guess the ball bearings inside can grind against each other and wear out?

could it be that they became "unsettled" and have packed down again?

does this mean a new box/column?

btw - i had a look on the hoist today tie rods/ends, idler arm seem fine.

If the tie rods are going (to crap themselves) then you will hear them clunk when you move the wheel back and forth when its unloaded from weight (although a loose wheel bearing will give the same symotoms - its best donw with someone onder the car looking at what moves about) and by radius rods (old school name for them) I was reffering to the "tension" rods as per the wiki picture. When we pulled mine to rebush them, all the bushes basically disintergrated when the tension was released.

Another thing to check may be the steering box mounts. Mine were all ovaled out (maybe due to age) but I am currently looking at the steering box brace in the hope it may take some of the pressure off the box mounts

Take it to pedders for a $14 safety check and they should pick something up if they are half competent, then ask what it is and say you need to think about it- then buy parts and fix your self.

Steering box brace won't do jack sht IMHO unless you are seriously tracking the car and even then it's questionable of a benefit in a 1200

I am looking at the brace mostly to take the pressure off the nmounting holes though.

Any suggestions as to a better way of fixing this?

Shouldn't be much pressure on there, as they just locate the box.