ORD Steering box brace

[TJ1978]

received today.
I have the front piece installed

I moved the steering lines for clearance but the single point that goes on the cross member isn’t flush and I guess will need quit a few washers to tighten down

 

[TJ1978]

The longer brace when mocked up to the steering box bolts, the single bolt part fits weird on the cross member.
Brake lines etc are in the way and I guess the old cooler lines stuff



View attachment 338005

 

[HankScorpio]

I do remember needing to remove a clamp on the brake lines and push them out of the way a bit. On my '90 I think there was already a hole in the crossmember but it needed opened up to a larger size.

 

[TJ1978]

I was confused as all get out where that front brace went. I sent ORD a rambling email much like my posts here.... hahahahahaha oh well. I figured it out.

I was frustrated seeing that atf, sent me into a downward spiral....

 

[Bent77]

I was confused as all get out where that front brace went. I sent ORD a rambling email much like my posts here.... hahahahahaha oh well. I figured it out.

I was frustrated seeing that atf, sent me into a downward spiral....

Nobody knows about the ATF since you deleted that post!

 

[TJ1978]

Nobody knows about the ATF since you deleted that post!

I know... Hahahah. It’s pointless to this threads topic. but I guess somewhat relevant to my frustration in not understanding how this brace works. Hahahahahaha. I need a break.

But... I gave the cooler line an 1/8 turn and here a few hours a see a tiny bit...it was dry for 2-3 weeks just sitting with the new fittings. where as the old lines leaked being parked., now after a few drives, the dry line has a slight weep..
I don’t understand

 

[sweetk30]

the bolt in brace goes in real snug . trick is dont tighten any bolts down . leave them a few threads loose to line up all them . once in crank them down good-n-tight .

no extra washers needed for the kit to go in .

 

[ridenby]

Welcome to 35 yo junk.

 

[centexk5]

Agreed on leaving stuff loose and then cranking down on it. You'll realize why everyone says these frames are weak.

 

[Wes Harden]

In your pic I looks like the OEM steering box bolt spacers are still in place these need to be removed.

I just did this only adjustment I need to make was to shim the front bracket @¼". I also drilled big bracket cross member hole to 9/16ths

 

[TJ1978]

@Wes Harden
Yeah, I was just holding it in place to get an idea.
Thanks for pictures. I’m installing that part today or tomorrow.

 

[HankScorpio]

@Wes Harden
Yeah, I was just holding it in place to get an idea.
Thanks for pictures. I’m installing that part today or tomorrow.

As others have said leave all the bolts loose while getting things lined up. A 2nd set of hands really helps to lift the box up and take the weight off while starting the bolts. I peeled out the first thread on 1 hole last time. Even with a helper. I was certain the bolt was in right, it wasn't. Fortunately the bolts are long and a quick chase with a tap fixed it. It can be frustrating to get it all lined up, no room to work up in there.

 

[TJ1978]

Right, it’s a weird angle to get at. And none of th stuff is all that light. I can probably just use a tie-down to hold it in place while I start the bolts. Plus I have the one bolt in front of the cross memeber installed already

 

[Wes Harden]

Leave the front 2 bolts in and tight the box won't move, if steering isn't turned while back 2 bolts are out

 

[TJ1978]

Finished... @Stephen

A little video...misspoke in th video it’s actually 73-80.... but, oh well