Cheap steering box brace

[jekquistk5]

Hey guys don't know if I have seen this on here but here is my cheap solution for bracing the steering box.

Easiest / cheapest way to brace the steering box is with another frame section.

Cut it out with plasma/ grinder.

Then stitch weld and rossete weld it in.

Enjoy...

 

[sweetk30]

thats why i have a few cut off sections out in my pile of goodys . . .

p.s. . . . .i saw the summit sticker

 

[jekquistk5]

thats why i have a few cut off sections out in my pile of goodys . . .

p.s. . . . .i saw the summit sticker

Yup my first auto dimming hood. Its a lincoln, and it sucks compared to my Jackson safety hood.

 

[sweetk30]

i still have my miller auto shade from over 10 years ago . working great . but head gear is falling apart.

 

[1-ton]

That looks as good as the one I payed $45 for from SmittyBuilt . Another thing I did to secure my steering box to the frame is run a 1/2" tap through the steering box bolt holes. Then buy three 1/2" grade-8 bolts that where 1" longer than the original bolts. Where the new bolts stuck out 1" past the box bolt holes, I screwed a lock washer and nut onto it to make sure those bolts never come loose like steering box bolts are known to do. You can only do that to three of the steering box bolts...not all four.

From what I remember of the job...they where 1/2" tap and bolts, but I am getting old, and the memory is not what it used to be.

 

[1-ton]

Yup my first auto dimming hood. Its a lincoln, and it sucks compared to my Jackson safety hood.

I have a cheap ass Harbor Freight auto darkening helmet, but it must work because I have had no flash burns so far. I do not weld that much anyway.

 

[Bent77]

I still run a leg of iron to the back side of the bolts and across the frame on the back. Helps relieve the torsion as well

 

[handloader90]

I still run a leg of iron to the back side of the bolts and across the frame on the back. Helps relieve the torsion as well

Do you have a pic?

 

[handloader90]

Seems like the frame section would fit better than the ones you get from ORD. I had the hammer the snot out if mine to get it flush with the frame rail.

 

[1-ton]

Seems like the frame section would fit better than the ones you get from ORD. I had the hammer the snot out if mine to get it flush with the frame rail.

I got my SmittyBuilt frame repair deal from a vendor on Ebay for the lowest price I could find $45 (this included shipping). They are all off the same assembly line whether you get one from Summit Racing, Ebay, or ORD. I had the same issue with my frame repair weldement. I used the bolt holes, C-clamps, and a BFH to do a little persuasion to get mine flush to the frame before welding it.

 

[Bent77]

Do you have a pic?

In my build thread

 

[diesel4me]

I cut out that section of frame and saved it when I scrapped a '73 K10..never had to use it yet,so far every square body I have owned have not had any steering box area frame cracks,both ones that were never used to plow,and some that were--I think the plow push frame beefs up the frame enough to prevent any cracking...
Its rather tough to find a frame that old around here that hasn't cracked or has loose or missing crossmember rivets now..

 

[jekquistk5]

Mine fit perfectly, no gaps or beating with hammer.

 

[skunked]

Seems like the frame section would fit better than the ones you get from ORD. I had the hammer the snot

mine wasn't that bad, bolt it in, add a little heat and massage it. The kit also comes with the lower piece.

these old noodle frames are beat, especially in the steering box area so you can't expect a standard piece to fit without a little love.

 

[handloader90]

I bolted mine on using all 4 holes and C-Clamps all around and heated the piece until the metal started turning blue. Still had to hammer the everliving snot out of it.

 

[handloader90]

I see people selling those pieces of the frame on eBay from time to time.

 

[rampage]

When is somebody gonna make a reinforcement plate that actually fits? My '89 wasn't abused at all (dad was original owner) and my plate from ORD fit like crap, so much so that I've yet to put it on and that's been 15yrs I've had it now.