steering box brace confusion

[jacksonbase]

I just picked up a 99 cherokee xj 3" lift 31's on stock steelies. I'm trying to tighten up steering. This will be a daily driver so no extreme offroading. I've seen some post where steering box braces crack frame (don't want that) . Also there are fixed plate braces and the kind that have a fixed rod tying into the frame. Is one better than the other? I don't need overkill. Is it worth even getting a brace? Does it really help or is it just insurance for the stress of larger tires? Thanks in advance.
jacksonbase

 

[Cottontail]

Spacers between the box and frame do crack, yes. I'd bet you have a good chance that yours already broken. JCR sells a steel replacement spacer that goes between the frame and the box. It's good insurance. Then you can get a brace as well that will "grab" the box and then attach to the frame on the passenger side.

http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJSTSPC.html

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...EYMxYENULYLtebahELZmU2iu3UQE2EYcRwhoCE0Xw_wcB

Then there is this also - maybe a bit overkill for your set up - http://www.boostwerksengineering.com/The-Ultimate-XJ-Steering-Brace_p_8.html


By the way - welcome. Mississippi falls in the Southeast Chapter. Come over and visit. http://naxja.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=28

 

[bwinter1946]

FWIW: I installed both styles but different brands on my 99. Seemed easy and cheap insurance to me especially when you consider the thin sheet metal the XJ has in this area.

 

[xcm]

I wouldnt bother at 3"/31's, unless you are hard on the jeep.

 

[trippled]

The biggest benefit I saw was less weird noises from the front (I had some popping up there) and at highway speeds going into corners the steering felt slightly tighter. If you drive hard and care about that, throw one on. They're not crazy expensive. I built mine btw, similar to boostwerks