bolts and steering box

Hi Guys,

When removing the steering box to weld the broken bracket, I had to cut off the rear bolt to the bracket on the drivers side to the frame. Any ideas how I can get a nut back into the the frame so the bolt can be put on?

Thanks.

 

Anyone?

 

Barry, this is the 78 or 79? I'm not closely familiar with the 76 an later bracket, but isn't it folded steel and welded to the frame?

 

It's the '78. The brackets I could remove from the pump once I took the bolt out. The bracket is bolted, not welded to the frame. The nuts are welded onto the back of the frame inside the boxed frame. The bracket is cracked at the bolt holes, so need to be welded. I would like to bolt it all back up, but have no access to where the nut goes. Should I cut the frame, weld the nut back on, then re-weld the frame? Is that a good idea? Just looking for suggestions.

Thanks.

 

Not a bad idea. That way, the frame is intact. Thanks Lynn. Think I will try that way.

 

Lynn's idea is great for fixing the frame nut problem. Regarding the stock steering box bracket I'd get rid of it. You'll weld up the cracks then it will crack again. It's just the pee poor way they are built. Either build a new mount or call up Mountain Off Road Enterprises and get one of their beefed up versions. Much better. They can be found here http://www.mountainoffroad.com/more.htm

That box mount is a common problem on the '76 up CJ's. Nickmil.

 

Hi Nick,

Thanks for the input. That looks like the way to go. Just got to save my pennies.

 

A cross brace really helps too! The clamp that goes around the snout on the box can be had from http://home.foothilloffroad.com/home.jsp
I fabricated a plate that bolts to the opposite side of the frame with the rod welded to it that connects to the clamp.

 

Posi,

The problem is that I have an AGR2 box on this rig. The snout of the box is a larger diameter than stock, hence my other post. I have yet to find anyone that makes a bracket for this application. I need to figure out some way to do this, as I agree with your assessment.

Thanks.

 

You may be able to find a clamp at a commercial electrical supply (large conduit hanger) or pipefitter supply.