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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: jhiggin on July 17, 2015, 06:08:28 pm

Title: Rough country weld on steering box brace
Post by: jhiggin on July 17, 2015, 06:08:28 pm

Well my brace came in the mail today and when I went to weld it on there is lots of gap Inbetween the brace and the frame. It's like the brace was very poorly bent. Is this normal?  I understand maybe alittle modification and bending for exact figment but this think sits like 1/4 off

Title: Re: Rough country weld on steering box brace
Post by: roundhouse on July 17, 2015, 06:24:44 pm

I'd guess it's the frame that's off
Since they all bend and break there

Did you check the right rear shock mount yet ?
Bet the frame is cracked there too


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Title: Re: Rough country weld on steering box brace
Post by: bd on July 17, 2015, 07:11:54 pm

Read 87 R10 Cracked Frame Repair @ Steering Gear (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=23828.msg199078#msg199078).

A K10 isn't exactly the same, but the process is so similar that you'll get the gist of what needs to be done.

Title: 2 steering box braces??
Post by: jhiggin on July 20, 2015, 07:38:49 pm

Well now I've installed my we'd on brace  I didn't have any cracks I just didn't want to get one. Do Yall think I really need the bolt on braces as well or would I be ok with just the weld on?

Title: Re: 2 steering box braces??
Post by: bd on July 20, 2015, 08:12:02 pm

If there were no preexisting frame cracks behind the gearbox, for roadway use you should be okay with the welded reinforcement by itself.  On the other hand, IMHO, if you plan to really stress the frame aggressively off road, install some supplemental bracing before cracks develop.  Inspect the frame around the front and rear shock mounts, as well, for concentric and starburst cracks.

Title: Re: Rough country weld on steering box brace
Post by: jhiggin on July 20, 2015, 08:32:49 pm

This trucks gonna be a street queen but on 35s. That's why I was wondering about the extra braces

Title: Re: Rough country weld on steering box brace
Post by: bd on July 20, 2015, 08:40:28 pm

35s will transfer a LOT of stress to the steering gearbox and frame.  Over a long period the frame might tin can.  The conservative approach is, augment with redundant bracing.

Title: Re: Rough country weld on steering box brace
Post by: Irish_Alley on August 02, 2015, 07:57:08 am

if its not cracked i would just bolt it. welding will hold it in a fixed position but transfer the stress to the welded area, and when you weld something the weakest point is the area near the weld cause you heat it up

Title: Re: Rough country weld on steering box brace
Post by: 76K20 on August 03, 2015, 07:01:19 pm

Is this cracking bending what gives you the clunk noise when you turn the steering wheel?