Removing the 2 bolts from steering box, the first one snapped as every bolt on my XJ does. What do I do now? I know if try 2nd it will break as well. Bumper installation aside , is it safe to drive with just one bolt in ?

 

Drill it out and re-tap would be my suggestion. Do they stick out the back? If so, and you can get vice grips on them you might try that with pb blast and heat.

 

I just found this: http://www.rocklizardfabrications.co...g_box_bolt.htm

Apparently it's a common problem... sucks I was all ready to finish up bumper and then this...

 

That's a better idea. Do that. You can get a steering box spacer from JCR http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/...ry_Code=XJMISC

 

yep pretty common problem, that and pulling through the subframe which is why its advised to run tie-in bumper brackets. as for the JCR spacer....god damn $30 for $3 worth of steel

 

Doesn't look to me like the struts on the spacer plate are necessarily. Maybe I'm missing something but it seems they could be done away with.

 

welding ain't cheap. Their rear tire carrier bumpers are damn near $1k for probably $100 in steel.

 

I personally wouldn't drive it with the one bolt. You risk damaging both the steering box, that spacer that sits behind it, and the unibody rail right there. I would think even two would be sketchy. There is A LOT of force going on right there.

If you search my name on here or NAXJA you see I put up a thread about the bolts when doing my bumper, I made sure to record all of the stock bolt sizes and threading if that's helpful to ya.

 

I just ordered the JCR spacer. On the left you can see the spacer broke. The hole on right has 1/2 a bolt in it :-/

 

Just an FYI do not run with only 2 bolts in ... i have tried that and they have snapped on me twice in the last year... bad idea imo.. learned my lesson

 

Damn that sucks. Just moving it from garage to driveway it didn't feel good. I can only imagine on the road. She's all good now though with new plate, bolts and bumper !