Amazon Steering Box brace with sector shaft brace install

[Htchevyii]

So I really wanted the Boostwerks steering box brace, but after calling and emailing for two weeks with no response, I gave up. His really does look like the strongest design with the extra two rear holes. (First photo below).

I also am considering a hidden winch mount/steering box brace in the future such as the one that Boostwerks used to sell or BadDadFab produces. Unfortunately he is backed up for many months on orders. I noticed one on Amazon for $129 and being a bolt in part with no modifications required, I figured I'd give it a shot, even if it ends up being temporary. (Lower photo below). The instructions were pretty terrible and led to a lot of wasted time, so I made an install video if anyone is interested. It did end up fitting fine, even with my aftermarket Durango steering box.

 

[Big_Mark]

Cool video, I always wondered how the bearing fits in those kits.

So, did it make any noticeable difference in driving, steering response?

[Htchevyii]

So far, it's just been on a quick test drive. In a few hours we head out on a thousand or so mile trip, so I'll know more in a few days. My initial impression is that the steering feels tighter and more precise.

[Gojira94]

I've had my eye on the same steering brace kit you ended up with but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Sounds like it went together for you without any issues. I'm keeping the sway bar, so I ordered these drop brackets from ironman4x4fab that clear the steering brace kit : Sway Bar Drop Brackets $45

[Htchevyii]

Ya, no issues once I figured out the proper order to install things, it went fine. There was plenty of adjustment even with the Durango box. 400 miles yesterday and it feels good and tight.

[zomeizter]

Glad to hear that the brace tightens things up with the steering, just yesterday I received the brace kit from Barnes, got lucky since the site always shows "sold out". Link below if you wanna, and no drop brackets necessary. I'll share some pics when I get a chance to install and kudos on the vid!

 

https://barnes4wd.com/products/xj-steering-box-brace

 

 

[Htchevyii]

I looked at their brace pretty hard. Not having to mess with the sway bar is a definite plus, but I really wanted one with the sector shaft brace.

[zomeizter]

Well hell, I reckon these braces will not work with an 86, the radiator and mount stick out too much below the frame rails impeding the mounting of it. On the plus side, I also ordered a steel steering box spacer with the added fourth hole, that went in nicely...

[Htchevyii]

Bummer that it didn't work out.

[Eagle]

The brace install video led me to this one. I really like the way you have your truck set up for overlanding. Very well thought out.

 

 

[Htchevyii]

Thanks! It's not the best setup for her by herself, we would need a 3/4 height rack to make it easier for her to reach the tent. Our current trip also showed is how crappy of a setup it is for freezing winter conditions the diesel heater kept us warm inside, but it

 

took forever to get things thawed out enough put away!

[Htchevyii]

Ok, we just got home from a 900 mile test drive through the snow and ice near Bend OR. We went to Primal Outdoor's Patreon campout. The brace definitely improved steering response and got rid of some slop. For it's price, I think it might be one of the best upgrades that I've made.

[75sv1]

I have  Ironman's. I also have Bad Dad Fabs Hidden winch setup and bumper.  Both do well. 

[Htchevyii]

How do you like the winch mount? I really like the way that he integrated the brace with the hidden mount. Did you have any trouble fitting the winch?  

[75sv1]

21 minutes ago, Htchevyii said:

How do you like the winch mount? I really like the way that he integrated the brace with the hidden mount. Did you have any trouble fitting the winch?  

I haven't put in the winch itself yet.  Yeah, a bummer. I wanted to have it fitted on there and such. Its a bit of a pain to take off the 'cradle' . I did add frame stiffeners, so the fit was a bit tight. I do like the engineering behind it. I went with a one piece bumper. Really easy to take off and put back on. So, I'd think two center sections and the wing bumperettes. One center tubes and open for wheeling. One enclosed for running around, to keep eyes off the winch.