I have a 1989 Jeep XJ 4.0 with a cracked frame right were the steering box is causing the frame to move every time I turn right or left. I'm trying to figure out my best/cheapest option to get it steering safely. I don't know if I should part the thing out or maybe find a broken jeep and swap parts into it!? Let me know what you think would be the best option thanks!

 

Could take it all apart, weld the crack, and fully stiffen the inside and outside of the uniframes up front.

 

that's what I was thinking! I wish I had a welder!

 

Buy one. Not the best welder but harbor freight has their wire feed one on sale a lot for around $100. Pick one up, buy wire for it cuz the wire it comes with sucks and teach yourself. Best option is like unidentifiedbomb said

 

Yep. Plenty of info on how to fix steering box issues. My van had this problem. Sucks but life goes on. Plate the crap out of it.

 

The fab guys at my father in laws work said they use the harbor freight ones all the time. They toss the wire it comes with and get Lowe's stuff but the welder itself works fine. Spend the 100 and don't look back. You'll use it again.

 

Forget the do it yourself deal (unless your a skilled welder) take to a qualified welding shop this is not an easy job to do correctly. We had to do it on my sons XJ this is a critical spot and the frame as such is thin.


Once repaired it need to be reinforced also and a brace used.

 

i had mine done on my 90xj. i had eric from staangs fab do it. he designed probably the best fix for these xj's since he is a hardcore xj fan himself.

once i got it back, it steered easier and more solidly than when it was brand new. and this is with 36 inch bias ply iroks.

don't part it out, fix it. if you're gonna get a fab shop to do it, remove the front bumper if you have a heavy winch bumper as to save time and money.