s14unimog

I've searched through enough threads with no avail. Does anyone know the standard bolt size, thread pitch and length for a 97 (I assume they're all the same) standard steering box? I need to get some extended ones from Fastenal this afternoon and can't seem to find the answer.

I did find one post on NAXJA where a guy said 7/16-14UNC x 4.0"LG

Is that correct?

deekay911

those measurements sound right - I had to buy new ones from Ace hardware - they were like a buck apiece. Don't forget they need to be Grade 8...

s14unimog

any way you could be sure of that; lol? I'd hate to be in the thick of it and they not be right. I knew they wouldn't be much.

deekay911

Well you could just take one out and see for yourself you won't have to put in much effort to just remove one. If it will come out without breaking of course....

COSXJFAN

I beat my head against the wall for about 10 minutes at the hardware store trying to find, what I thought had to a metric threaded bolt.....NOT!! It is a standard thread, I just don't remember the size off hand. I agree with the idea of pulling one to match...

LongArmXJ

drill it out to a bigger bolt! highly recommended!! mine is drilled to 1/2-20

s14unimog

Ya, I was sorta hoping that it was such common knowledge, considering those who install bumpers, that I would get 5 or 6 replies stating the same thing. Since that's not the case, I totally agree but foresee it coming out in pieces. My Jeep has fought me for every upgrade its received, so I can't see how this will go smoothly. I'll measure the pieces, lol.

Ya, it seems most will agree is a 7/16-14 but I'm hearing everything from 3.75-4.5 for the stock length. No worries, I'll try removing one tonight and if it comes out in one piece I'll come back and post the confirmed size.

Turns out that might happen whether I like it or not. I was finding more threads about "what to do, I broke a steering box bolt" than information on bolt lengths.

deekay911

I am 99% certain the stock ones are 4 inches. If you are putting a different steering box brace in (thicker) you will need a little more length. They do just screw right through the steering box mounts, so if it is 1/4 inch too long it won't hurt as long as the threaded part of the bolt is long enough to take the whole thread within the mounting hole (if you see what I mean...)

s14unimog

Ya, I did peak up in there and the bolts are just long enough for the stock assembly, so longer ones are definitely what I am after. You do make a good point, I do hope that won't have to source an all-thread bolt. The pictures of the JCR tie-in bracket & hardware seem to show a standard, but lengthened, bolt. Hell, maybe I should just call them up and ask. I tried calling Rusty's once about the axle end bolt for a track bar and the b**** up there caught a huge attitude about the question; fu*k you Rusty's

s14unimog

Alright, I finally took a second to pull those bolts... It's amazing how life keeps you busy with the things you would rather not be doing. Either the case, the factory bolts for the XJ are actually


7/16-14UNC x 3.75" LG.

Although the bolt measures 4" Lg. the threads clearly stop at 3.75" and the remaining 1/4" is an undersized point for install alignment. Maybe this will help someone in the future.

deekay911

Glad it came out without breaking!! Fingers crossed for the others...

Gee oh Dee

Good info. Thanks for sticking with it!

s14unimog

^ yeah I hate coming across a thread where the answer was never posted.


yeah, luckily they all came out. The loc-tite used must have helped seal out the moisture. I'm set for my bumper build; it's gonna be SAWEET!

Gee oh Dee

Mmmm, bent tube....

s14unimog

aw you know what's up... That bender is got a job to do.