Bracing your steering box

[Slick Willie]

For those of you that run larger than 37's and don't use hydro (assist or full), how did you brace your steering box or did you?

Paul, FSJeeper, Andrew with Whitefoot, Nick before Hydro, Brutus, the list goes on. Running crossover or full high steer should put pretty good strain on the steering box with large and heavy tires. I know when I locked my front 44 the steering seemed to be straining. I don't want to rip a box off the frame using muscle!

Maybe they're on there pretty good in stock form, but maybe you guys have braced them. I'm wondering if you have and how. Opinions are encouraged, but if you havn't run larger than ~37" tires, save us some time. Pics would be a plus! :thumbsup:

[BRUTUS]

I asked JC Jones this before I did my lift because his J-truck MAX had 36" tsl's. He told me that the front crossmember welds will break. No mention that the steering box will come off the frame. FSJ frames are so stout anyways... no worries. He told me that he welded the front crossmember up three times before he put a bumper on it and FIXED the problem for good. I still don't have the hydro assist hooked up and it drives fine. I am conscious of trying not to turn the wheel without any tire speed to reduce the stress on the crossmember.

[Gambler68]

Tad used to make braces, he posted some pics here, they looked sweet.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

I would not trust it without a brace, I have seen cracks in the frame around the steering box, as well as broken tabs off the box and broken bolts. I will be installing a brace on mine.

[bowtieman55]

please don't forget detailed pics and info for the rest of us;)

[elbastardo]

On mine I fish plated the outside of the frame with 1/4 x 4"FB. And on the clamp portion to the steering gear, I found (I think there called riser clamps), There used to hold up pipes from going through the deck plate on mezzanines and such. I used one for 1 1/2" sch 40 pipe, fits tight on the stearing gear:thumbsup:

http://sore4x4.com/gallery/d/8119-2/P1182972_001.JPG (http://sore4x4.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core%3AShowItem&g2_itemId=8116&g2_imageViewsIndex=0)


http://sore4x4.com/gallery/d/8113-2/P1182971_001.JPG (http://sore4x4.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core%3AShowItem&g2_itemId=8112&g2_imageViewsIndex=1)

http://sore4x4.com/gallery/d/8109-2/P1182970_001.JPG (http://sore4x4.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core%3AShowItem&g2_itemId=8108&g2_imageViewsIndex=1)

[Tad]

Tad used to make braces, he posted some pics here, they looked sweet.
I still do once in awhile, not a huge demand for them and they are sort of a PITA.
I tend to make them in groups of 10, or when I get to about 5 requests.
Except for the older rigs with the flat front frame area on the sides up front, those are easier for me to make but harder for the user to install.
Also, Ryan is correct, there are pic's up from not that long ago, probably over in GenTech.

[Gambler68]

I still do once in awhile, not a huge demand for them and they are sort of a PITA.
I tend to make them in groups of 10, or when I get to about 5 requests.
Except for the older rigs with the flat front frame area on the sides up front, those are easier for me to make but harder for the user to install.
Also, Ryan is correct, there are pic's up from not that long ago, probably over in GenTech.

Well, count me in for one, if you get a group thang brewing :o

btw, any word on that 327 swag for me?

[bowtieman55]

btw, any word on that 327 swag for me?

+1

[BRUTUS]

http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/users/6OCnZ0q7TTw_/__sr_/c6e1.jpg?

http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/users/6OCnZ0q7TTw_/__sr_/c89c.jpg?

http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/users/6OCnZ0q7TTw_/__sr_/862b.jpg?

http://www.rebelrockrunners.org/gallery/d/15770-2/redX.jpg

Check the permissions.

[Slick Willie]

http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/users/6OCnZ0q7TTw_/__sr_/c6e1.jpg?
http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/users/6OCnZ0q7TTw_/__sr_/c89c.jpg?
http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/users/6OCnZ0q7TTw_/__sr_/862b.jpg?

Linky no worky :rolleyes:

If anyone has the link to that discussion, I'd like to see it. I searched, but maybe it's titled something basic and didn't catch my eye.

Tad, can you dig up some old pictures of these braces you build?

[elbastardo]

oops:whistle:

[Slick Willie]

Much better. Where does the other end attach to again?

[4x4fEvEr]

bracing is a good idea. i didnt with my 39.5's and ive paid the price. stress cracks all on the outside of the frame, bolts always backing out and a wore out j-20 steering box. really above 37's needs at least hydro assist, so then if you do the hydro assist you are takin all the strain off the box and probably could get away without bracing it, but a little extra protection never hurt.

[elbastardo]

Its bolted to the oposite framerail.

[Tad]

btw, any word on that 327 swag for me?

+1

Tad, can you dig up some old pictures of these braces you build?

Yep all the 327 stuff is still sitting where I left in in December.

Pic's, yes ok, I'll do it.
Then I will have some *** wipe saying I use the fourm for my profit (LOLRAZ).
It's just stuff I made that works...
Here is the RiverBeast version.
http://members.cox.net/ttsfabworks/toddbrace.JPG
The (the same) rstep version.
http://members.cox.net/ttsfabworks/rstepbrace.JPG
The (thanks Ernie) zulu version.
http://members.cox.net/ttsfabworks/zulubrace.JPG
Of course, the older, flat frame version like my 70 wag.
http://members.cox.net/ttsfabworks/tadbrace.JPG
You can search for the post in Gen-Disc where rstep fractured his sector shaft and still got home in one piece, that was a big ****ing rock he hit.
Anywho,
Thanks for the props,

[j20brett]

is that tubing thats been cut and welded to flatbar thats attached to the bottom of the steering box? what size tubing?

[Tad]

You have about 4 questions there I will try to answer.
Tube frame to brace tube is HREW,
The section around the sector shaft is cut pipe that has ben heated and wacked into contour (it's not a symetrical object there, more like a gradual taper).
Everyting else is flat stock.
There is a spacer on the plate, next to the frame, to make it work more easily.
I did not invent this.
I outbid a member here for one on Ebay (some Co. out of NM) that was a POS at around $80.
I just refined the item into something worthy.

[j20brett]

You have about 4 questions there I will try to answer.
Tube frame to brace tube is HREW,
The section around the sector shaft is cut pipe that has ben heated and wacked into contour (it's not a symetrical object there, more like a gradual taper).
Everyting else is flat stock.
There is a spacer on the plate, next to the frame, to make it work more easily.
I did not invent this.
I outbid a member here for one on Ebay (some Co. out of NM) that was a POS at around $80.
I just refined the item into something worthy.

sorry i meant the pipe around the sector shaft. but thanks for all the extra info! Kinda funny: refining it into something worthy...good stuff lol

[Gambler68]

Yep all the 327 stuff is still sitting where I left in in December.

cool! my gladiator is still sitting where I parked it in Decemeber as well! :)

Then I will have some *** wipe saying I use the fourm for my profit (LOLRAZ).

I think it's okay...this time. :rolleyes: :D

[chr1s]

Well, count me in for one, if you get a group thang brewing :o

me too plz (i promise not to nag u about them on #FSJ anymore either)

[zinertia]

Tad
I would throw my hat in the ring for a brace for my 73
thanks
Dennis

[Slick Willie]

So Mr. Tad, how much are you charging for these works of art?

[elbastardo]

I wish id of thought of smashing the pipe:banghead: . Plus the gussies to boot, looks like i might have to make some changes to mine now:rolleyes: . On the side note, are those riser clamps? (if you dont mind my asking).

[Tad]

I'm not even sure what a riser clamp is.
Everything there is made from stock steel/pipe/tube etc.
I do not buy anything and resell it as something else.
Just not my style.

What does it cost?
Not sure, been over a year since the last batch.
IIRC it was going $65 shipped (any place in the lower 48).
I really have not looked into it lately.
Besides chr1s, I really have had no need to do these lately.

Ryan, I did not mean you.
Trust me, there are others.

[bowtieman55]

like chr1s, I would like one of those steering box braces as well (whenever the next batch is made):thumbsup:
Thanks Tad.

[Casey]

Put me down for one, for the '79. :o

Me thinks we have the makings of a list...
casey
Bowtieman55
zinertia
Gambler68


:cool:

[rstep]

Running one of Tads braces on the chero,and after last years run to the Gap here in AZ,well glad it's there.Hit a large boulder with the front tire bent the rim and ended up with 3 cracks in the pitman shaft but the brace transfered the inpact between the frame rails so that was the only damage.

[DAHoyle]

These are available from M.O.R.E


http://www.mountainoffroad.com/catalog/SteerBrace/brace.htm

[bowtieman55]

yeah, but do they fit FSJs? We KNOW that the ones Tad makes do.

[DAHoyle]

If he has enough interest to whip up a batch, I'd go that way as well. If you looked, you'd know that the MORE is a roll your own sort of kit,including only the clamp. Have to do the measuring and weld it up yourself.

There was a request for info, and I offered some. Sure as H*** wasn't meant to be a slight to anyone.

[bowtieman55]

Dude, relax. All I was getting at is that they only list them for baby Jeeps. It had nothing to do with YOU, personally or your post.:thumbsup:

[mark]

i just bought the mountain offroad clamp and fabbed my own with a 3/4 in rod end.the recent addition of a steering ram has helped tremendously.its even taken out the thought of deathwobble.

[jode]

I would not trust it without a brace, I have seen cracks in the frame around the steering box, as well as broken tabs off the box and broken bolts. I will be installing a brace on mine.

Me too - seen that on FSJs with stock tires - not to mention those that have been abused. The cracks are way up in there where you can't see them easily most of the time too.

[SFBAYBOATER]

You can count me in for one, I'm going to run an S10 steering box, and would like the extra bracing to make up for the lost bolt.

Please Tad, make another batch.

[Zorm]

I'm in for one Tad, I'll be in Seria Vista for one weekend in March.

S-10 box? are those better than the stock Jeep ones, besides missing one bolt?

[Moose79J20]

Put me down for one, for the '79. :o

Me thinks we have the makings of a list...
casey
Bowtieman55
zinertia
Gambler68


:cool:

Add another to that list

[Gambler68]

*whips out and puts on Metatron hat*

I think you folks should just PM Tad.
I talked to him tonight and the list is filled, he will not do another batch until Summer, it's not his day job folks, this is not even his post.
Also, Tad has never put one of these on an S10 box conversion and does not want folks to assume since the S10 box works for us, that the TT's brace works for that application.


so..if you didnt get in on the original build list, no dice. Its not a for sale thread for his braces, it's a thread in general about bracing steering boxes. His are designed just for the stock applications, not swap ins.

If the MORE kit works, groovy, try it :D

[Brad W.]

yes but the MORE kit assumes you can weld, lol. I mean I can, but not everyone is so fortunate!

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I'd be interested in buying one of Tad's for my CJ-10a project (http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=63016), as well (FSJ-based frame).

Craig

[Slick Willie]

Alright, back on topic.

Who has braced their steering box and who hasn't with large tires? I DON'T CARE if you think you should or if you're probably going to. I'm going to build my own if I find the need to, so don't bother there either.

So for those of you that HAVE run large tires (over 38's), OFFROAD, I'm looking for information on who has and who hasn't put a brace on them and experiences of either.

[Slick Willie]

Also, thanks for the thoughts Brutus, Crazy_Jeepman, and 4x4fEVeR.

I need more experience info...

[Brad W.]

I ran 36's on the one waggy and I never could keep the steering box tight on the frame. It had issues before the swampers, but something was definetly broke in there cause it came apart on a weekly basis once those tires were on it. I'd give the thumbs up for a brace.

[AlsChopShop]

did we ever detirmine what can be used to clamp to the steering box side? i can have one made for me, just gotta find the right hardware.

Al

[elbastardo]

On the clamp on the stearing gear side, If you go to an industrial supply, they have pipe clamps that prevent pipes from sliping through the deck plate on mezzanines in mills and such. At the last place i worked we called them riser clamps, but i dont know if thats what there actually called. But the 1 1/2 sch 40 pipe clamp fits tight over the stearing neck.

[elbastardo]

This might help on the clamp
http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=46884

[AlsChopShop]

perfect, thanks bud! :thumbsup:

Al

[Tad]

Not trying to tread on Slick Willie's post but out of this discussion I have 3 that need homes.
Shoot me an email if anyone is interested.
ttsfabworks@cox.net

Sorry Will, it seemed the best place to put it for now.
Thanks,

[Slick Willie]

No worries Tad, I would have told you to put it here. I got about all I could out of this thread anyway.