Steering bolt holes enlarged, plate it?

CarbonXJ · Mar 21, 2017

So I'm in the process of changing the steering gear (again) and my bolt holes are enlarged! I torqued to spec, 70ft-lbs, but looks like the washers pulled inside the frame rail - thanks JCR for the washers (not) I had a 3/16 plate made to match my JCR spacer for the box. Think this is enough to make it nice and sturdy? I notched the plate to clear my fender brace and sealed it with primer/Hammerite.

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dan1977p · Mar 21, 2017

Might be a good time to think of sleeving the bolts but that plate looks like it will disperse the load pretty well too. Maybe tack it to the frame in a couple places too, so it doesn't shift.

Anak · Mar 21, 2017

The steering box bolt holes are oversized to begin with. I recently took advantage of that feature in order to position my steering gear box such that it would better align with the sector shaft support bearing on my Boostwerks mount.

The washers that came with my JCR steering spacer/brace kit were also junk. I noticed that the first time I tried tightening things down a year and a half ago. I recommend finding a source for proper, hardened washers.

XJEEPER · Mar 21, 2017

Here's the real solution, with weld-in sleeves which will stop your unirail from flexing.
http://jksmfg.com/i-8938560-cheroke...tem-driver-side-only.html?ref=category:381107

Installing this keeps the steering box bolts tight and prevents cracking. 10yr/100mile tested on my rig and I've got no cracking and never had a bolt come loose on me. I did both sides, just because.
http://jksmfg.com/i-8938561-cheroke...teering-brace-system.html?ref=category:381107

CarbonXJ · Mar 21, 2017

I've got hardened washers now to match the new bolts. I should have noticed the old ones pulling in when I was installing the first time. It was dark and I just had a shop light.

I'm not sure if I need a full brace kit, nor if it will work with my bull bar. My local welders are either iffy, or costly as well. This rig has only seen the interstate for the last few months sadly.

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jrowell · Mar 21, 2017

XJEEPER said:
Here's the real solution, with weld-in sleeves which will stop your unirail from flexing.
http://jksmfg.com/i-8938560-cheroke...tem-driver-side-only.html?ref=category:381107

Installing this keeps the steering box bolts tight and prevents cracking. 10yr/100mile tested on my rig and I've got no cracking and never had a bolt come loose on me. I did both sides, just because.
http://jksmfg.com/i-8938561-cheroke...teering-brace-system.html?ref=category:381107

Those are a must! Keeps you from squishing the "frame" and sucking the bolts through. If you don't have them, the "frame" can squish down a bit and allow the box to be loose... and bad things happen with a loose box!

CarbonXJ · Mar 22, 2017

Would the plate I have and sleeves for the bolts keep the holes from enlarging or pulling through?

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trippled · Mar 22, 2017

Yes. Sleeves would be the final step in supporting the box at the frame. (Other than a brace)

Rick.rob · Mar 22, 2017

Iron rock sells a plate, like the one you posted, looks like a bumper tie in.

cal · Mar 22, 2017

Stinkyfab makes a weld in repair/reinforcement that would fix your problem here.

http://www.stinkyfab.com/vehicle-sp...in-inner-frame-plate-steering-box-spacer.html

waxer · Mar 22, 2017

XJEEPER said:
Here's the real solution, with weld-in sleeves which will stop your unirail from flexing.
http://jksmfg.com/i-8938560-cheroke...tem-driver-side-only.html?ref=category:381107

Installing this keeps the steering box bolts tight and prevents cracking. 10yr/100mile tested on my rig and I've got no cracking and never had a bolt come loose on me. I did both sides, just because.
http://jksmfg.com/i-8938561-cheroke...teering-brace-system.html?ref=category:381107

I too did both sides on my 92 about 8-10 years ago.. can't remember anymore. Not a single issue since installing the SBS. Gives you tow hook mounts as well. Nice kit. Crush sleeves are a must!!!

XJEEPER · Mar 22, 2017

cal said:
Stinkyfab makes a weld in repair/reinforcement that would fix your problem here.

http://www.stinkyfab.com/vehicle-sp...in-inner-frame-plate-steering-box-spacer.html

Cal,
This SFR kit solves the spacer issue and beefs up the steering box area. Lacking weld-in sleeves, it will not prevent the unirail from compressing when the bolts are tightened (and loosening up as the rail flexes).

The SFR Front Frame Reinforcement kit has sleeves,http://www.stinkyfab.com/jeep-xj-cherokee-front-frame-reinforcement-kit.html but not the large inner rail plate that you have pictured. Combining both will provide a total solution.

If I hadn't already solved these issues on my rig, I would contact SFR and request that they remove the small steering box plate from their FFR kit and add the larger Inner Plate kit.

cal · Mar 22, 2017

Its offered both ways already.

http://www.stinkyfab.com/vehicle-sp...cherokee-front-frame-reinforcement-kit-1.html

XJEEPER · Mar 22, 2017

cal said:
Its offered both ways already.

http://www.stinkyfab.com/vehicle-sp...cherokee-front-frame-reinforcement-kit-1.html

That was fast! For a total solution.......SFR for the win! :clap:

Steering bolt holes enlarged, plate it?

CarbonXJ

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dan1977p

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Anak

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XJEEPER

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CarbonXJ

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jrowell

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CarbonXJ

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trippled

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Rick.rob

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cal

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waxer

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XJEEPER

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cal

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XJEEPER

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