Steering box brace kits

[brooksman9]

Is there really any difference in these steering box brace kits? I see them from $32-$79. Looks like the same kits to me.

 

[nvrenuf]

There is a slight difference in the shape of the rear end of the vertical plate but outside of that I think they are mostly the same. I didn't know there were sub $50 kits available, I've verify the thickness is comparable on those.

It's been forever but I think mine came from ORD and it, like most you read about, required multiple C clamps and "massaging" to get it to fit flush. I would expect that all of the kits available will need some level of fitting before welding.

Also, it's no secret that foreign made metal products can suffer from material quality issues, I'd buy a kit that's USA made.

 

[Snoots]

Without any reference, looks the same to me too.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

ORD is my choice.

 

[hoagster]

Are you talking about these?

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this is a better picture, you can see this was a two piece kit. I also bought the inner frame stiffener from ORD.

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If you are going to lift it and run big tires I would fix that area right. this is the second truck I have had to do and the first on had to find a doner and cut the front part of the frame off and weld it on.

 

[brooksman9]

Yes those are the kits. Amazon has one for just over $30 I think. Looks just like the ones from ORD and Rough Country at twice the price. Haven't seen that inner stiffener. That looks nice.

 

[Zelph]

My frame was not cracked, so I just did the inner bolt on bracket from ORD. Huge difference in steering response.

as for the weld in frames, there’s a Blazer forum and people did measurements on various weld on frame plates. No difference really other than price.
all said generous use of heat, clamps and a hammer were necessary for proper fit. It was debated about how the plates affected steering box mounting and if the gaps between mounting boss would break the ear on the steering box.

 

[brooksman9]

Not seeing that on their website. Got a link?

 

[brooksman9]

This one?

Bolt-in Steering Box Brace Clip & Hardware Only for '81-87 ('91) GM

Bolt-in Steering Box Brace Clip & Hardware Only for '81-87 ('91) GM

www.offroaddesign.com

 

[SquareRoot]

Unless your frame is already cracked the weld on plates won't make much difference. You want the inner brace that triangulates the frame. That will prevent the frame from cracking. Unless you like doing things twice, run far away from Amazon! Buy ORD and be done with it. Plus they give you an ORD sticker to put on your back window and then people will respect you. It's a little bit of work to get them in but worth the effort. You can sort of see mine amongst all the other crap that has found its way onto my truck. It's red. Everything I add that's not stock is red. It's a thing I do. A carryover of my job. Anything experimental or non-stock is orange. I prefer red.
Notice the Jeep steering shaft? That should be your next upgrade. Oh and the rear shock mounts...another place cracks are likely. GM engineers back in the day apparently didn't know the value of "double shear" strength. No offence Keith S. lol

 

[Jgonick]

Unless you like doing things twice, run far away from Amazon!

Agree 100% Too many knockoffs pretending to be the real thing.

 

[brooksman9]

Steering shaft arrived today. Thanks Root.

 

[vr1967]

I plan to get a Hogback Fab one if they ever come back in stock.

73-87 GM Steering box reinforcement bracket

The best steering box reinforcement bracket on the market. Prevent cracked frames on your squarebody with our steering box brace. Strongest brace

hogbackfab.com

 

[89GMCJimmy]

Bolt In Steering Box Brace for '81-91 GM 4WD Trucks

Bolt In Steering Box Brace for '81-91 GM 4WD Trucks

www.offroaddesign.com

Weld On Frame Repair Kit for '73-91 GM Trucks

Weld in frame repair kit 67-91 Straight Axle

www.offroaddesign.com

 

[brooksman9]

Installed the ORD brace kit this weekend and new tires. It is better but still wobbly. Probably going to go with a shorter lift kit then get it aligned. Hopefully that will make a bigger difference.