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cracked steering box area

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Old 07-03-2017, 10:37 PM
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Default cracked steering box area

So my frame had cracked on what apears to be around the steering box area. But im having dome difficulty. As far as going the best approach to weld and box in the cracks, and part of the frame. Mostly because I am already running unibody frame tie ends. From my front winch bumper. So i want you guys to give me some input on the best solution. Thanks




Last edited by Outlaw Star; 07-04-2017 at 09:11 AM.
Old 07-04-2017, 01:12 AM
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http://www.c-rok4x4.com/c-rok-online...-Kit-p38115458


Will work with the durango steering box or the stock XJ steering box.

You get it all...inner plate, outer repair plate, and sleeves/bolts to avoid crushing the frame.

Once that is all installed, then you can weld up the cracks on the bottom.
Old 07-04-2017, 10:43 AM
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How many bolt are in bracket mine takes 7 and there inserts in frame so your not crushing frame but tieing sides together.
Old 07-04-2017, 05:14 PM
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Originally Posted by freegdr
How many bolt are in bracket mine takes 7 and there inserts in frame so your not crushing frame but tieing sides together.
mine has seven or 8 bolts, but no inserts. this is the bumper im running.
https://www.affordableoffroad.com/sh...r-bars-xjwpre/
Old 07-05-2017, 08:21 AM
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Originally Posted by TRCM
http://www.c-rok4x4.com/c-rok-online...-Kit-p38115458


Will work with the durango steering box or the stock XJ steering box.

You get it all...inner plate, outer repair plate, and sleeves/bolts to avoid crushing the frame.

Once that is all installed, then you can weld up the cracks on the bottom.
Wouldn't it be best to weld up cracks first and then throw that on? And then weld them up on top of it? But will that kit interfear with the tieend brackets for the bumper?
Old 07-05-2017, 10:19 AM
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If you weld the cracks first, and don't have it lined up right, then you will have problems with the brackets lining up.

If you weld after the brackets are on, the brackets should line everything up for you, or at least that's how I'd do it.

Not sure on your bumper brackets, but you need to fix the damage, then deal with the bumper.



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Old 07-05-2017, 11:11 AM
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a bolt on steering box kit definitely helps, but it doesn't do much to stop the frame from twisting. and Freegdr is right a kit that has sleeves going through is going to be the best option. Here's what I had to do, keep in mind this is AFTER frame plates and a steering box plate. What you need is a good track bar brace and steering box brace to relieve some of the pressure going into your frame caused by the box and axle. The steering brace kits were a bit pricey for my taste so I spent a night with the welder and a sheet of 1/8" and a couple other materials. it's not pretty but I never had a problem again!


if you don't have access to a welder then I think ironman 4x4(?) and some other companies offer options for bracing. braces will get you much farther than sandwiching the frame




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repairing one of the cracks by drilling a hole at either end of it to stop it from spreading. Then digging it out a little with an angle grinder, then filling with weld


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Last edited by Atmos; 07-05-2017 at 11:21 AM.
Old 07-06-2017, 01:42 PM
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My sons XJ had that problem ended up taking to a professional welding shop for the repair, that was 4 yrs ago. I was impressed with the quality of prep/welding that they had done for it, cheap no quality yes.
Old 07-07-2017, 09:43 PM
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Some 1/8" plate, some template paper (file folders work well), and some time with a grinder/welder will fix it right up.

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