so this is my first post I have just been using the search button and all my questions have been answered but this one. I have been wanting to install a steering box brace but i'm a little confused, from looking at pics of diffrent brands some seem to have a pin that the brace slides on the frame end, such as the rugged ridge, omix, but others seems to be soild mounted like warrior and curries, rusty's? What are the advantages/disadvantages of these types. What brand have you guys had the best luck with?? also should i also get a plate brace for the gear box rail side, or is a brace enough, im running 35" btw. Has anyone had any luck building there own braces??

 

I just the plate for my winch bumper. It works well and was noticeable afterward. The steering was more precise.

 

its good to hear that a bumper makes a difference.. I ordered a bumber off ebay nearly 2 months ago... so long ago that I forgot about it on purpose because I would get so mad at being taken!!

well it arrived today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cant believe it!!

And its nice too.. I wish I could remember where I got it (might be able to find it if someone wants it)... after all, it was only $190 +s/h

 

C-rok makes a great steering brace/reinforcent kit,

comes with inner and out plate as well as hardware.

Ive heard of unibodys cracking where the gearbox is mounted, i had to change my gearbox and the stock aluminum inner plate broke,

tried taking it off a few other xj, and it kept on breaking, so thats when i found the c-rok kit,, check it out google c-rok

 

C-rok steering box reinforcement is by far the standard for helping to preven t cracks in that area. I also run the Rugged ridge steering brace as well. I notice that now I have no deflection when trying to turn. IS it because I did the c-rok plate, or the steering brace (done at same time), I cant answer the question. I will say I am no longer worried about my frame cracking anymore.

 

what do you mean when you say "deflection" maybe I can answer your question because i only have c-rok kit

 

I am talking about the way the steering box moves a lil before the wheels start turning. This happened before I added The frame brace and the rugged ridge stiffner. My frame had no cracks.. but I wanted to make sure non develop too.

 

Yes I agree. C-rok is the best one. Great price too!

Deflection: metal flexing or bending under load.

 

Hate to tell ya but that bumper won't do anything to help your steering. It looks like it only uses the 3 stock bolt holes, it doesn't go back far enough to brace your steering box.

 

warpath is correct,, you do not need to remove gearbox bolts to install that bumper, but simple remove old one, in with the new one

PingPong- my gearbox still does that even with the c-rok kit, also its a brand new gearbox, and my frame aint cracked as well. I just dont want it to crack

 

SO I did right by adding the rugged ridge steering brace

I wheel in a lot of rock and I am often turning into them to get traction. Since adding both braces I have toasted the original power steering pump, I am on my 2nd stock pump, I will see how long it lasts. Thinking of adding hydro assist

 

i can definatly see the power steering pump working harder then it should with Rugged Rigde brace