people keep trying to sell me one they say i need one cause im running 35s

oppinions?

 

i just bought one because i plan to run 32's.

search "steering box brace" there is alot of good info, i just searched this subject this afternoon, and bought one from rusty's offroad.

 

They're a waste of money. I had one and then sold it.

 

this is just your opinion, i broke a steering box wheeling with 35's and after i put a new box in, threw a box brace on there and the steering feels much better and have never had an issue since, totally worth it in my opinion.

 

my brother and several friends ran XJs on 35s and 37s all with no braces. One hill killed two XJs in one day. When the steering maxes out it pulls on that box, which will flex side to side until your sheet metal gives out one day. Who knows if that brace would've saved the day... what we do know is welding in those patch panels was a pain in the ***.

Also steering a jeep at 5mph for 7 miles with 4 guys and 2 ratchet straps is a pain in the ***.

 

-NOT a waste of time - I found my stock aluminum one split after mild wheeling on 31's

-made a home brew replacement from 1/4" plate and the steering is a bit tighter, but I also don't worry about breaking off the steering box tabs or stress cracks in the inner unibody frame rail.

-I would recommend one for anything above 31's especially running 35's Many aftermarket options also brace across to the passenger side frame rail as well.

-or fix the frame later

 

I run both, the inner spacer replacement, and the cross brace.

The inner plate that replaces the box spacer in nice to have, WAY better then the stock POS. But mainly peice of mind knowing I wont have to repair the frame behind the box...

The steering BRACE the runs from pass rail to the end of the box made an actual difference in how the steering felt. It didn't change in how it worked, or noises. But I grab my wheel and its Solid, where as before it felt like it was kinda soft, and had a little bit of give. Very happy I have one.

I would recommend doing both for people who actually wheel there vehicle.

 

It's easier to put one on and run it, then fix the disaster that could follow by not running one...hence the reason they make them.

 

X2, I run 35's as well and the first time your rip your steering box off the unit body you will be cussing not spending $70 on a brace.

 

Thanks you guys, all the threads i had searched never really gave straight forward oppinions..... will be ordering one tonight!

 

Where can I order one of these and the brace for the passenger side?

 

the bolts on my steering box started pulling through the frame, so i welded in a 3/8 repair section that sandwiched the frame and sleeves the bolt holes.
it's stronger than snot now.
i still didn't put on a brace from side to side, don't think i'll need it, but it is in the back of my mind.
when it comes to our sport, any brake and steering upgrade that makes it safer for the road is totally acceptable in my books.

get-r-done while you can.

check out staangs fab. he made mine and makes them in house for many xj's in canada.
email him and tell him i sent ya.

 

this is the spacer i got. 30$ http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/...ry_Code=XJMISC

I got a ruggid ridge brace. it didn't fit 100%, I had to modify it but that could be an issue with mine... it was 60$ (not threw them but same one) http://www.shopjeepparts.com/heavy-d...01-p-3951.html

 

This is something that I will definitely get for mine. I just put 35's on 15x10 wheels. A lot of stress on the steering for sure. Will wait till Tuesday when JCR starts their black Friday sale...One piece at a time..Good information from you guys.

 

they are not a waste. they keep you from ripping your steering box off your unibody