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Front Frame Stiffeners

Black1990jeep

NAXJA Forum User
Location
california
What are pro's and con's of the various front frame stiffeners sold? I see near a dozen brands offered. I have center stiffeners installed and now want to proceed with fronts. i have the short arm set up.
 
I've installed 2 sets of mids, and one set of full, front to rear on 3 different XJ's. I have use TNT, RuffStuff, and Iron Rock Off Road. IMO, they're all about the same. Any manufacturer would be fine. There's another recent thread that lists the various ones.

I have long arms and rock rails on all 3 XJ's. So there's more strength to mount them. You get a better bumper tie in, too. It just gives the uni-body more strength. I don't see any downside.

For me, the biggest con was prepping the body for welding. What a pain in the ass! However, I think the benefits far outweigh the process of removing the paint and undercoating.

Would definitely do a full set again.
 
I’ve done the 2 different sets of frame stiffeners, TNT and Ruffstuff.

The TNT was a decent set, the front stiffener was one piece, and took a little bit of wrestling to get it flat to the frame, but with enough C claps, you can get it there. If I remember right, it was 10ga steel.

The Ruffstuff kit is multiple pieces and also wraps around the bottom of the frame down to the front control arms. It’s also a little bit thicker steel at 3/16s. However, it’s a lot of welding. A lot. But it’s pure beef.
 
I have an earlier Ruff Stuff multi piece. It did not rap underneath. They have changed their design. I also have IRO and Hooligan. Also, I think Ares rear. I like Hooligan overall. Nothing wrong with IRO. That is with the center section. I do have Hooligans welded in the front. Hooligan has plates to weld in if you go long arm.
I didn't go with Ars front, as they 'skip' a section for their steering box bracket. I think. I have their rear and it looks good. I didn't go with the IRO rear as it was 10 ga. I did have a set of them.
 
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