plating steering box frame rail/ inner
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 357
From: Andover, VT
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 L
I know it is a super old thread. So, not sure if the OP will respond...
So, I welded some outer frame stiffener plates on the driver side as I saw some cracks a while back. This area looks good BUT now there are tons of cracks on the inner side of the 'frame rail'. It sounds nasty when I go wheeling. So I parked the XJ until I fix it. My question is simple: did you completely remove the engine in order to weld the plates on the inner side of the frame rail (driver side) ? If not, what did you remove at a minimum? I already know I will have to remove the aftermarket trackbar mount I have, and probably the front axle.
additional details:
-running 35s around 7-9 psi
-dana 30
-rough country trackbar and trackbar bracket
I can provide more details if needs be.
So, I welded some outer frame stiffener plates on the driver side as I saw some cracks a while back. This area looks good BUT now there are tons of cracks on the inner side of the 'frame rail'. It sounds nasty when I go wheeling. So I parked the XJ until I fix it. My question is simple: did you completely remove the engine in order to weld the plates on the inner side of the frame rail (driver side) ? If not, what did you remove at a minimum? I already know I will have to remove the aftermarket trackbar mount I have, and probably the front axle.
additional details:
-running 35s around 7-9 psi
-dana 30
-rough country trackbar and trackbar bracket
I can provide more details if needs be.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 49
Likes: 10
From: Utah
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
I basically need to plate the thing along the whole inner rail, meaning from steering box location down to below the firewall. The fuel rail is what is scaring me when welding..
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 49
Likes: 10
From: Utah
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
I have carefully reinspected the driver side rail. I can see that the area around the steering box is in fact reinforced (I have an aftermarket steering box too --- don't know the brand). The previous owner also added welded a square tube linking both frame rails at the very front of the two, right behind the aftermarket bumper. So basically, the areas that have cracked are fore and aft of the engine mount point. See the video below. You may notice in my tone of voice that I was not sounding too enthusiastic... I was sick..
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