bolt on steering braces

[wheeling365]

Reading this thread: http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1072085&highlight=steering+box+brace

Got me thinking I need do do something with my 00 XJ before I have problems. I get a light shimmy at 45mph that I am trying to get to stop with balancing and checking/replacing parts as needed. I've checked the box bolts and they are tight but murphy's law applies.

I'm looking at both of these as a preventive measure:

http://www.kevinsoffroad.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18_68&products_id=839

http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2...ROD&Product_Code=XJSTSPC&Category_Code=XJMISC

I've considered the C-ROK braces but its a 95% DD that gets wheeling duty from time to time.

Anyone have a better bolt-on solution?

 

[Begster]

The JCR link you posted isn't a brace, it is just a steering box spacer.

The C-rok brace is to strengthen the frame area around the box by spreading out the load over a greater area. Regardless if its a DD or not, you will benefit from it. I initially installed just the inner box spacer on my 100% street DD, and the frame area had enough movement (I had a case of DW) that it bent the innner bracket) I then installed the outer C-rok brace in addition to the inner bracket on my DD, it definitely needed it.

That DD has since been parted out, and I'm about the replace the steering box on my new DD (91 XJ with 75K miles) and it is getting the inner and outer C-rok plates just for piece of mind.

 

[wheeling365]

I guess I kinda missed explaining that part but the JCR spacer was more to get rid of the stock aluminum one as they crack and come apart which from what I have read is pretty common.

I was under the impression that this: http://www.c-rok.com/sb.html was more of a weld on outer brace that got perimeter welded and that the inner was the same as the JCR link I posted.

 

[clean4drxj]

I run the JCR inner & outter plates with the added rustys steering brace(bought that before I started getting into the build).

 

[Begster]

I guess I kinda missed explaining that part but the JCR spacer was more to get rid of the stock aluminum one as they crack and come apart which from what I have read is pretty common.

I was under the impression that this: http://www.c-rok.com/sb.html was more of a weld on outer brace that got perimeter welded and that the inner was the same as the JCR link I posted.

Yes, they can come apart, but the only times I've seen them crack and come apart have been when someone is trying to remove the steering box.

The C-rok is a bolt on application. You can weld it, but was designed to just bolt on. yes the inner bracket is the same as the JCR.

 

[jasnmoore]

I did this:http://www.tntcustoms.com/Jeep_Cherokee_XJ/4_bolt_steering_conversion.aspx

NOTE: It works just fine with a standard 3-bolt steering box.

 

[aparke4]

obviously make sure the steering bolts are snug... and then first I would opt for the brace that goes from the other frame rail to the box... this will sandwich the box and keep it from flexing any further... the driver side brace is great but only minimizes flex if that indeed is your problem... obviously a c rok/ jcr brace with a pass side -> box brace is the ideal combo and will stiffen up your uni as well as help your steering ten fold... also a good front bumper that already has a jcr/ crok tie in would be ideal... then add box brace

 

[offroadordnance]

Rusty's steering brace is an easy bolt on. I did have to do some minor drilling when I installed mine.

 

[Alaskan89XJ]

Shimmy eh? Well.., for some of us who have experienced the death wobble thing.., I opted for Kevin's stuff, i.e., one stop internet shopping, lol, which included the use of the brace. While I was at it, extended mount track bar, sway bushings, oem type tie rod ends, new coils, rear packs, JKS discos, removal of the rear sway, etc. Best luck at your diagnosis.., and don't forget to check for a damaged rim.

 

[fallacist]

so a good, simple fix is to get the c-rock plate AND a steering box brace?

 

[s14unimog]

I don't believe you need both, but it couldn't hurt. I rely on my bumper tie-ins for support b/c I need that area for the winch behind the cross-member.

Search my threads and you'll find the one I did on my bumper. I put down all the information on the bolt sizes. If that's a question you had.

 

[deucestudios]

Anyone know of a good source for slightly longer M10 (or whatever size) bolts for this?
I have a 1/4" plate bracing the outer side of mine, could I eliminate the damn aluminum spacer?

 

[Begster]

Steering box bolts are 7/16-14. A 4" length bolt with the thread going all the way to the end (unlike the factory bolt) will allow you to do a C-rok brace and inner brace. Your local hardware store will have them.



I would do both, inner and outer braces. You have the box off, why not actually strengthen the area rather than just replace the aluminum spacer. I just installed my C-rok inner and outer brace on my 100% street DD this weekend when I replaced the box. I had the braces left over from my last 100% street DD.