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?

 

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.

 

 

If you were to cut out that section of the bumper bracket, would you lose or weaken any of the bumper mounting points? A photo would help here.

 

 

big as that bracket is i would just cut the hole out, you still got plenty of contact area left.

 

yup what he said ^^^^^^^

 

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.

 

+2, and I agree that sandwiching is best, but probably not really an option here.

 

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.

 

got a link to the brace kit? website is a mess

 

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.

 

yeah, he doesn't have time to keep it updated. not everything is on there.

his facebook page is better managed tho.

https://www.facebook.com/staangsfab/photos/a.222487973039.132879.80031068039/10154490861498040/?type=3&theater
$169.95CAD
also you can get an optional tow hook integrated if you want. i cut mine off.

 

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.