Steering Box Brace Kit and Plate

[septantrionalis]

I just learned about this common problem with the older Chevy trucks where the frame cracks in the steering box mounting area.  I checked my 1974 Chevy K10 and luckily, it looks pretty solid.  I want to try and prevent this from happening so I am going to install the brace kit.  However, I noticed that you can also get a plate that helps repair the area should you have any cracks.  Would it be worthwhile to weld this plate on even though I don't have any cracks or would the brace be good enough?

Right now, my truck has a 2 inch lift with larger than stock tires.  I do plan on adding even bigger tires with a 4 inch lift.

[hatzie]

I might think about it with a lifted truck. 
The braces will fix most if not all of the frame flex tho.

[berserk]

I just learned about this common problem with the older Chevy trucks where the frame cracks in the steering box mounting area.  I checked my 1974 Chevy K10 and luckily, it looks pretty solid.  I want to try and prevent this from happening so I am going to install the brace kit.  However, I noticed that you can also get a plate that helps repair the area should you have any cracks.  Would it be worthwhile to weld this plate on even though I don't have any cracks or would the brace be good enough?

Right now, my truck has a 2 inch lift with larger than stock tires.  I do plan on adding even bigger tires with a 4 inch lift.

I just bought the ORD brace kit and installed it on my 76 K10, like you it was more to prevent breaks than anything. On my truck the box had loosed up in the past and done some damage to my frame but I saw no cracks. But if you search this forum and others it doesn't seem uncommon and can happen on C10's as well so its not always big tires and a lift.
 
I posted pics last night in fact on my install which was on Sunday in this thread http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=33146.0

[blazer74]

If your sure you have no cracks, and you don't beat on the truck, the brace is good. Can't always see cracks unless you remove the box sometimes.

Did you look for flex at the frame area with an assistant turning the wheels back and forth?

If you have the capabilities it certainly wouldn't hurt to install the reinforcement plates and be done with it.

[septantrionalis]

Thanks for the replies!  I think at the end of the day, I'll just have it all done since I will be under there.

berserk, that's a nice write-up.  You mentioned that you bought a rebuilt steering box from autozone.  Is there a part number for that?  I wouldn't mind replacing mine while I am doing all of the other work.

[berserk]

Did a quick search and came up with Duralast Part Number: 7502. I'll warn you though it may be hard to find, called 6 different chain parts stores and the only one that could find me a box was autozone and they ordered it in from half way across the country. The plus side is there was no shipping and if it is defective I can return it to there store. But you will need to pay the core charge up front so its close to 200$ until you remove the old one and return it.

[blazer74]

I used oriellys for my gearbox. If I recall they had it in stock but not sure.
No problems with it.
Napa has it too but more money for the same reman from Cardone.

[roundhouse]

Bet you have a nice frame  crack on the passenger rear shock mount


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