Steering gear box

[BBM3]

Got the new one in on Friday all went well. Thanks for all the help!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Glad to hear it.
Did you replace the rag joint also?

[Chisholmcody]

No the rag joint ended up being in pretty good shape


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Irish_Alley]

Welding a cracked or broken vehicle frame should be performed only by someone who is suitably experienced with this type of repair.  The consequences of a poor repair can be catastrophic! 

Make sure you find the very end of the cracks and drill 1/6" to 1/8" through-holes to stop the cracks from propagating any further.  "V" the cracks and weld for complete penetration, then grind/sand the welds down to the original height of the surrounding steel.  When your done, both sides of the frame should appear as though it was never damaged. 

You absolutely should go the extra step of stabilizing the gearbox mounting.  If you haven't installed taller/wider steer tires and you're not running a big block, the bolt-on brace kit from AutoFab may be adequate with no further investment needed.  You can always call AutoFab and question them.

If you decide to use a weld-on reinforcement plate, Warrior is not the only company to market a plate - and, yes, the plates are preformed.  However, the plate should fit the frame like a glove beneath the steering gear, so as not to interfere with gearbox mounting (there's very little spare room around the gearbox mounting bosses - proper fit is crucial).  Nearly all available repair plates will need some hammer work to make them fit correctly.  I cannot over stress the need to check the fit and clearance of the plate between the gearbox and frame, carefully.  In addition, before the plate is welded on, it should be sandwiched between the gearbox and the frame rail, with the gearbox bolts torqued to spec; this ensures the frame takes the shape of the gearbox housing to avoid distortion of the steering gear case.  Remember, by installing a plate you will be almost doubling the thickness of the frame in this area, making the frame far more rigid.

I think the ultimate repair, though unnecessary for many and subject to opinion, is to install both kits.

as a welder by trade i 100% completely agree with this statement, i dont think welding is necessary (only the plate) but if done thats how youre supposed to do it.