knoxville

So, i was in the process of putting on my snowplow and tube bumper on my 93 xj and when i tried to remove the top gearbox bolt of course it snapped . Next i moved my truck and when i turned the wheel, snap !!! The others bolts broke and no steering. My question is, do you think if i drill all 3 bolts out can i nut and bolt it? Reason being i know im gonna f**k up the threads and i really dont have the patience to retap them. Thanks guys!

SeriousOffroad

Perfect time to upgrade to a Durango box. If you do:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=915103

Black00XJ

Mine did the same thing after I went to 12.5"wide tire. I drilled them out, then bigger and replaced with 3/4(i think) Grade 8 Hardware. That didnt hold too long, snapped all of those and got the Rustys Steering Box Brace. Now running 15" wide TSL'a and no problem. And a bumper that clearly screams MadMax and the Thunderdome

knoxville

Yeah, been lookin at that stuff, but...., what do you guys think of the nut and bolt question??? Will it matter or do i have to use the threads in the gearbox ????

knoxville

Btw, were those bolts a pita to drill out? Probably huh? Did u take the box off or were u able to do it on the jeep?

Black00XJ

Left the box on the Jeep and drilled out the threads on the box as well

Black00XJ

Kind of a pain to drill out. Started with small bits and gradually stepped up. Maybe a 1 hour job, depending on drill

knoxville

Ok, i get off work in few hours so lets see...... Thanks for the quick replies guys!

knoxville

Update, ok so as of today i have about 5 destroyed drill bits, 2 holes drilled with the third not looking too good, a busted drill, and a hangover ! So.... Guess im gettin a new gearbox ( especially since mine has almost 200k on )