I've been looking at JCROffroad's Black Friday sale and I want to get your opinions on some of these things.

First (and second I guess) are the XJ Front and Rear Unibody Tie in Brackets? The front are $35 and the rears are $20 +shipping on both--I've heard bad things about the Unibodies tearing or cracking so is this just good plain insurance?

Next is this Steering box spacer? On sale for $20 He shows the factory cast aluminum piece broken in pieces so again just a smart move to replace with this?

Help me out with the next one cause I'm a nu-B but the "Rear Nut Strips" Also $20, but what are they for or do?

Thanks in advance.

 

I don't think you need any of that. Focus on skidplates/sliders/bumpers/armor.

 

On the tie-ins and steering spacer, wait till you're bumper shopping (unless you already have). Some bumpers include uni-body tie-in and steering box reinforcement.

The nut strips slide into the rear of the subframe. they are what stuff like a hitch, skid plate, etc. bolt to. You may or may not have them depending on original equipment. Easy enough to tell - look at the subframe rails on either side of the gas tank. If you see threads in the holes then strips are already present.

 

Good rule of thumb is... If you have to ask, you probably don't need it.
As for what Tony said, I agree. Armor up and have fun!

 

Thanks guys, you're right sgtskid I realized that after I posted.

 

Actually JCR's are sandwiched between the bumper mounts and subframe and can be bolted in with other bumpers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCR Offroad

These brackets sandwich between the bumper mounting brackets and UniFrame (using the standard 3 hold bolt pattern on the front of your XJ) and continue 14.5” down the UniFrame. Along the way (on the driver side) they brace all three of the steering box bolts, and run through the large sleeved hole about 12” from the front of the frame. The passenger side bolts directly to the sleeve in the frame, and includes provisions to drill three more holes for even more support if you desire.
Not only do these brackets distribute the forces you put on our bumper on a larger area, they brace the steering box by stiffening the UniFrame in that location, while also stiffening the whole front end of your Jeep.