Steering box brace question
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Model: Cherokee(SJ)
Steering box brace question
I recently purchased an already modified 2001 XJ with a Rough Country front bumper included but not installed. Yesterday I went to install it and I realized that the support bracket that attaches to the frame to support the bumper is partially blocked on the passenger side by a very large bolt holding the steering control box brace in place. So I figured I have 3 options. Either remove the brace entirely, weld the brace in place, or cut the bumper support bracket in order to make it fit around the brace.
My question is, how necessary is the brace with a 4.5 inch lift with steering stabilizers installed, a brand new steering control box, and 32 inch tires? And if it is very necessary and you wouldn't recommend simply removing it, which option would you go with? Welding it to the frame or modifying the bumper support bracket to fit?
My question is, how necessary is the brace with a 4.5 inch lift with steering stabilizers installed, a brand new steering control box, and 32 inch tires? And if it is very necessary and you wouldn't recommend simply removing it, which option would you go with? Welding it to the frame or modifying the bumper support bracket to fit?
#2
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i would ,keep the brace, dont weld it place it may need to be removed to get the s. box off in the future or remove the oil pan,just drill a hole thru the bumper support bracket for the bolt. buy a little longer bolt if needed.
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Well the problem is that the support bracket for the bumper only covers the hole where the bolt goes about halfway, so the only option would be to cut a large enough section out of the bracket for the bolt and washer to still lay flat against the frame. Do you still think this is the best option? I just don't want to lose too much integrity of the support bracket.
Edit: also I feel dumb for even thinking welding it was a good option lol...
Edit: also I feel dumb for even thinking welding it was a good option lol...
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4L, 6 cylinder, 190 hp, 225 ft lp torque
Passenger side steering gear support bracket? A picture of this would be great. I have one of these braces too but it doesn't bolt in that location. If possible, it would probably be best if you could drill a hole and bolt the bumper bracket and steering bracket together. Distribute the steering gear load a little more. Otherwise, what was said before would probably be fine, just try to remove as little of the bumper brace as possible.
#10
CF Veteran
i would just replace that steering box brace bar type junk and replace it with staang's fab brace kit. much better and eliminates the bar. then there's no need to cut your bumper bracket.
look up staang's fab on facebook. eric is a great guy with ton's of xj knowledge.
look up staang's fab on facebook. eric is a great guy with ton's of xj knowledge.
#11
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got a link to the brace kit? website is a mess
#12
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4L, 6 cylinder, 190 hp, 225 ft lp torque
Another option, http://www.boostwerksengineering.com...Brace_p_8.html but maybe not necessary. It depends on what your going to do with your Cherokee. If rockcrawling is in your future then some form of brace (like the one you have already) is a good idea.
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4L, 6 cylinder, 190 hp, 225 ft lp torque
The bumper mounting bracket that Chris may end up cutting makes up half of the steering gear brace by it's self. Just need the inner plate. Because your running tires that are larger than stock it would probably be a good idea to retain the steering gear bearing brace that you have.
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