Need an XJ frame reinforcement suggestion

[thethinginthewoods]

So as some of you know, I have a massive rip through my frame between the two lower steering box bolts on my XJ. I am going to get it welded up properly, but I need help figuring out which frame strengthening kit to use.

JKS- comes with inner & outer weld on plates for the driver & passenger side frame rail, shim/spacer thing for steering box, plus all necessary hardware. ~$195
http://store.jksmfg.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SBS&Store_Code=JKS01&Category_ Code=Steering_Brake


Rusty's- looks to be the same as the JKS kit, doesn't seem to say whether or not it comes with the shim/spacer or any hardware. ~$189
http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchan...ory _Code=ste

HD Engineering- A complete frame strengthener from the lower control arm mounting bracket to the front bumper. Sold as a pair for driver and passenger outer frame. I am leaning towards this kit, but It doesn't come with the inner frame pieces or a shim/spacer or any hardware. So basically I would have to purchase this PLUS one of the other kits. ~$105
http://www.hdoffroadengineering.com/...ame-stiffeners

(I have left out C-ROK, TNT customs and some others because they appear to only make the plating kits for the driver's side frame rail and I want to beef up both side equally.)

I am a broke college kid, so I am trying to do this correctly and professionally as possible without spending a *******-ton on kits and labor. I don't know how to weld yet, so I have numerous friends and fellow Jeepers that are proffesional welders that have offered to weld it for cheap a.k.a. beer plus a little $$$.


So any recommendations?

 

[jeepdreamer]

Good luck...

Just wondering if T&J performance is still around and making these...?

 

[Explorer 1]

T & J's

Yep, T & J's are still around and make them in a three stage package that can include rock sliders.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[A7XJ]

I would think that the frame reinforcements should work for both sides. I have make plates to atatach my bumper to on my xj and the holes on both sides were identical.

 

[lil_red_wagon]

pm sent

 

[Canadian Moose]

Check out what I did....

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/project-xj-made-steel-rebuild-900095/index10.html#post9938148


(I will be updating my build on expo soon as I have time.)

 

[mudbutt]

I think thethinginthewoods is specifically concerned about the forward frame around the steering box. Not just the unibody rails below the belly of the truck.

I have little to no experience on this, but from what I've heard the JKS is the way to go.

If you haven't already, do some digging over at NAXJA. I'm sure this has been covered......

Edit: Ha-ha!!! I just did a search over there and I see you did also!!!! Nevermind!

 

[ExpoMike]

What you need to do is buy my bumper, which will take care of the frame renforcement issues. Here is a pic while I was welding things together and this shows the frame plates that run down each side. They go way past the steering box to the last hole back.

Then you add these plates (which come with my sale) and this renforces the crossmember to bumper connection.

You also get some major beefy recovery tabs too

All said and done, you end up with a major beefy bumper that solves all your problems and you get some Hella driving lights up front to boot.

All for the low price of $300!!! Can't beat that with a stick.

 

[Greedyg76]

Hey XJ Mike - are you building those bumpers? Look real nice, pm sent

 

[ExpoMike]

Just to clarify, I am selling the one I built for my Jeep, as it was a weld together kit that I then modified. The person who was selling these kits is no longer doing so.

The one I am selling is the one I used for the last couple years until I swapped over to an ARB and winch setup.

 

[AFSOC]

If you want the lowdown about serious frame reinforcement, contact some companies that specialize in building Jeepspeed spec racers. These guys have lightweight, sturdy plating down to a science. If you go on to NAXJA, they have a Jeepspeed section that you can learn info and chassis vendor contacts.

 

[BIGdaddy]

I have to agree with mike, here.

I have a logan's metal bumper that has long plates that reinforce the steering box area.
http://www.logansmetals4x4.com/id9.html

That was one of them many reasons I bought that particular bumper. (Nice that it was only $300.00, too.)

You can get a reinforcement plate to go between the box and the frame as well.

You can also weld all these items to the frame-rail itself for the ultimate in beef. I felt good enough with just the bumper bolted on, but you might end up welding and gussetting since you already have failure on your hands.

-Brian

 

[Stumpalump]

The bumper mounts all the way to the trac bar mount is key. The bumper with these extensions makes it drive better also. The XJ crack in this area first but second is under the cowling. Go real easy when winching and XJ because some think a winch is what makes them crack in the middle. I used :
http://www.temper-mentalracing.com/TMR/Parts_and_Services.html and had to extend them to the bumper mount and back to the slider mount. This ties the front bumper all the way to the slider. You can copy and make your own plates out of 1/8" if you want. The rear is easy because most recivers tie into the tank skid mounting point stiffening the whole rear. The Roll cage does the rest. If money ,fab skills and time are an issue then plate that sucker on the drivers side from the front bumper to the trac bar mount. Thats mandatory and even helps a street jeep handle better. Also check out:
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/chassis-channel-reinforcement-p-291.html

 

[wADVr]

To properly repair the damage and prevent it from happening again the JKS kit is hard to beat as it pretty much rebuilds the whole steering box area. I dont know the details of the damage but it is important that you have that area reinforced for any XJ that has bigger than stock tires, let alone being taken on a trail.