A-man930

As I was perusing this month's COTM I noticed Ironman4x4fab's XJ(MJ) Steering Box Brace With Sector Shaft Support. I'm currently dealing with the beginning stages of the typical loose/breaking-away steering box in my truck and have been considering how to address it. And there's much to consider indeed! What are the thoughts out there on bracing the box in this fashion as opposed to simply beefing-up the left "frame rail" area?

Gorgeous rig my man!

Subscribed.

How's progress on this baby?! (needing some inspiration)

Minuit I've sent you a PM. Impressive work!

Dang dude you move quick

Subscribed. Awaiting progress on aux input and amplifier pre-out on AM/FM units :thumbsup:

Yea I don't have any excuse for not progressing on that project besides the usual "life" bs. Getting to do that IH as a practice run is invaluable though. To everyone nervous or unsure about relays: any added complexity is well worth the stress relieved off the factory switches/circuits, whichever style you choose.

Here's the link to my wiring project for what I've found on the Delphi metri-pack stuff.

No, those are what I've always known as "standard" relay bases (which are also ISO standardized iirc). The "280" refers to the 2.8mm male terminal width that's used on the mini (ATM) fuses; the advantage to this system is that a common female terminal is used for fuses, relays, flashers, etc. and likewise the fuse blocks are usually quite flexible.

To be clear, the GM boxes I've sourced use the ISO 280 footprint relays and such...

I've used junkyard GM fuse boxes from thelate 90s a couple times now for the interior (not sealed). The terminals are easy to remove and replacements are easy to find so it can be neatly re-purposed with little to no cutting & soldering. Are the XJ boxes sealed?

https://m.delcity.net/store/ISO-280-Combo-Panel-!-Partially-Bussed/p_804298.h_804299.r_IF1003?mkwid=skXzRAiBp&crid=38094426869&mp_kw=&mp_mt=&gclid=CNiJl5yq_NMCFQuraQodWZ4MvA

I would have slash cut it, but I've actually thought of doing the same thing. Pics of it from underneath?

Its hard to tell how much higher this setup is vs. the VNT15, but yea it seems reasonably up and out of the way. The only reason I'm concerned about this is that I fully expect my truck to find itself up to the door handles in mud/creek water at least once per "outing" (only once or twice a year these days). The thermal shock has got to be quite intense in that scenario and I'd hate to crack a manifold or turbine housing :ack: . If being mounted higher is attainable then I'm interested. What are you doing for EGR? In the name of (supposed) better warm-up and economy, I'm considering keeping it and running Malone's "dynamic EGR" programming. What are your thoughts? Keep up the awesome updates!

This is an interesting idea...

I, myself, would never use the tape deck; so an AM/FM only unit would be cool unless it was a whole bunch more difficult to work with.

I'm about to need this. Thanks for the tip!

That's not the pcm (99%) certain. Nice truck man

You guys are geeks... I dig it :thumbsup: Minuit: if you don't mind me asking, what kind of moneys do you look to get out of repairing/modifying one of these things? Do you only source them then re-sell, or have you taken a "customer-supplied" unit and work your magic? I'm really interested in a factory radio of some type for my '90 and the reality of it is I'm already stretched too thin to take on something like this (and probably will be for the rest of time). I may insist on attempting to find a "pre-out" for a standard external amplifier though... might kill the deal for ya I know ;)

Cool beans. I am intrigued by this "high-mount" manifold that I've seen in a few swaps now; I can't think of a reason not to have the turbo up as high as possible so long as the downpipe plumbing doesn't become a problem

This is fantastic news!! Here I am considering utilizing the tired old VNT15 'till I can afford what I thought would be a $1,200 turbo upgrade. For that $$ I may be able to jump straight into one! (assuming a manifold is ea$y to come by)

So far so good! Nice and quiet like my old ones. They look great in person

Very clean truck man

Same question here. Although I want to say it's a common aftermarket "high torque" starter for sbc or something.