steering box brace

I'm concerned watching my steering box waggle the front end of my CJ5. Seems to have developed a “bump” noise as the steering passes centerline. Had to winch the thing out by the frame on that side. Anyway, I thought a check of the mounting bracket would be in order and with 12” wide tires a steering box brace might be in order. I’ve only found ’76 and newer out there. Anybody know who sells one for us intermediate types?

Thanks

 

None available AFAIK. Common problem with intermediates - limited aftermarket support. You'll have to fab it.

 

You can get one from 4wheelparts. I just got mine from there a couple days ago. It is heavy duty and seems really well made. Here is the link.
http://www.4wheelparts.com/4wp/products/productLine.asp?cat=TUB&prodline=971&catName=&man=WARR

 

I found these instructions awhile back:

http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/project-cj7/project-cj7-agr-brace.htm

You'll have to change some measurements probably, but it's a pretty well written instruction.

 

Thanks! Some recommend clamping the brace on the pitman arm nose, others on the body of the steering gear. Watching the gear box move, the mount to the steering box seemed to the right way to go Now I’m not so sure.

What say the sage members here?

 

I had my steering box mounting bracket crack one time, so I, like always, went overboard and installed two braces when I replaced my bracket, those brackets are hard to find! That was at least 10 years ago I made the brackets. Probably overkill but I know my box won't fall off.

 

The one I got bolts to existing holes and was an easy install. I think it was worth the $57.00. Check it out.

 

trailcrawler, Have you got a pic of your brace?

GPin, if I could find these two braces I'd do it like you did!
I don't have the fab place sadly. I have a desk job, and a sad little garage in the burbs. No place to fab any goodies.

 

My digital has been on the fritz lately but I'll see what I can do.

 

I'd advise you check out the frame and stock steering box bracket well before you buy a brace. These braces are more to prevent breaks by transferring some of the load to the opposite frame rail - as I understand it, a preventative measure, not a cure.

IIRC, with power steering, the whole front end will move when you turn the wheel. But most of that movement is in the springs and spring eye bushings... you should not be able to see any movement of the steering box wrt the frame.

Cracks and breaks are common in this area. Check closely around steering box bracket, spring hangers, and where the front crossmember meets the frame rail. Have someone turn the wheel while you watch the motion.

hth!

 

I dropped the steering box out of the way a bit and the mounting bracket was fine. I inspected the frame and see no crackage. This thing has 12" wide tires on the front. Everything looks ok, but I'd like a dose of prevention.