Steering box bracing - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RAB38 · 01-17-2006, 08:36 PM

I just installed a cross over steering system on my 72 blazer, I have a tremendous amount for frame flex when I steer the truck. They do not make steering box braces for the first gens or at least I have not seen any. I am looking for suggestion on how to fix this problem before it breaks the frame.

I was thinking that by welding in another cross brace from one frame side to the other near the steering box would help but I don't know if it is enough.

**tnblazerk5** · 01-17-2006, 08:54 PM

yes they came from the factory on sum blazers and jimmys and there is sum after market one also but been a while since i seen them

also check and see if the rivits are loose in the frame around the box if they are take them put and put bolts back in there place

look at the ones for 73 up ones and make one like it for your

mkmiller1 · 01-17-2006, 09:17 PM

Welcome to the board!
factory braces came on the 71 and 72 model blazers.
Matthew

RAB38 · 01-17-2006, 10:39 PM

I believe the brace you are refering to is the additional plate that fits in the frame where the box mounts. What I am talking about is a brace that ties the frame where the box mounts to either the engine crossmember or the other side of the frame.

I checked my frame and the rivits are fine and there are no cracks and the reinforcing plate is in tact.

jhow66 · 01-18-2006, 12:02 AM

Try this: --my son (orangeuavol) did his Blazer this way-so far so good.

LUV2XCLR8 · 01-18-2006, 04:15 PM

If you can find one, this is the factory steering brace

vtblazer · 01-19-2006, 07:47 AM

I read/heard somewhere that the bigger problem is the 'travel' of the factory boxes.
From the factory, they will want to travel (turn) farther than the lockout on the steering system will allow, so @ lockout you are still getting all the forces of the hydraulics trying to push, that's what breaks the frame.

Fixing the travel of the steering box first will prevent that issue.

if your frame is flexing during normal left/right steering motion than disregard all above, 'cause you have other concerns happening there.

01-17-2006, 08:36 PM	#1
RAB38 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 164	Steering box bracing I just installed a cross over steering system on my 72 blazer, I have a tremendous amount for frame flex when I steer the truck. They do not make steering box braces for the first gens or at least I have not seen any. I am looking for suggestion on how to fix this problem before it breaks the frame. I was thinking that by welding in another cross brace from one frame side to the other near the steering box would help but I don't know if it is enough.

01-17-2006, 08:54 PM	#2
tnblazerk5 User #12137 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: kingsport,upper east tenn Posts: 11,598	Re: Steering box bracing yes they came from the factory on sum blazers and jimmys and there is sum after market one also but been a while since i seen them also check and see if the rivits are loose in the frame around the box if they are take them put and put bolts back in there place look at the ones for 73 up ones and make one like it for your Last edited by tnblazerk5; 01-17-2006 at 08:54 PM.

01-17-2006, 09:17 PM	#3
mkmiller1 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Magnolia, Arkansas Posts: 1,091	Re: Steering box bracing Welcome to the board! factory braces came on the 71 and 72 model blazers. Matthew __________________ GOD is good...All the time! '71 swb custom10 barn find-68K original miles 72 K5 CST rust bucket, but runs and drives 84K miles

01-17-2006, 10:39 PM	#4
RAB38 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 164	Re: Steering box bracing I believe the brace you are refering to is the additional plate that fits in the frame where the box mounts. What I am talking about is a brace that ties the frame where the box mounts to either the engine crossmember or the other side of the frame. I checked my frame and the rivits are fine and there are no cracks and the reinforcing plate is in tact.

01-18-2006, 12:02 AM	#5
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Re: Steering box bracing Try this: --my son (orangeuavol) did his Blazer this way-so far so good. Attached Images __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer Last edited by jhow66; 01-18-2006 at 12:03 AM.

01-18-2006, 04:15 PM	#6
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,475	Re: Steering box bracing If you can find one, this is the factory steering brace Attached Images __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Big Piggy: "Goliath" 07 Kodiak C4500 Lil Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

01-19-2006, 07:47 AM	#7
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Steering box bracing I read/heard somewhere that the bigger problem is the 'travel' of the factory boxes. From the factory, they will want to travel (turn) farther than the lockout on the steering system will allow, so @ lockout you are still getting all the forces of the hydraulics trying to push, that's what breaks the frame. Fixing the travel of the steering box first will prevent that issue. if your frame is flexing during normal left/right steering motion than disregard all above, 'cause you have other concerns happening there.



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