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STEERING BOX GUSSET KIT
Horror stories abound about Chevy straight axle trucks cracking the frame. All 4wd from 1973 thru 1991 with straight axle front ends have the same inherent problem. Because of the way Chevy mounted the gear box and the steering loads applied with the short arm steering drag link , the frame is trying to buckle between the front cross-member and the engine mount cross-member. This causes the flexing which leads to cracks and ultimately frame failure. Here is a good example of a well broke frame. We repaired the frame without the use of a band-aid and installed the Autofab Steering Box Gusset Kit and our customer has been driving since. We have two versions of the original design steering box gusset kit. One is for 1973 to 1982 year model 4X4 and the second is for the 1982 and newer. On the newer trucks the factory has a corner bracket on the front side of the cross-member and joins to a bumper brace. If your truck is a 1981 or 1982 model we suggest that you look for the corner bracket to determine which brace to order. At this time we are pretty sure 1973 through 1981 are early style. 1982 through 1991 will have the corner bracket
The kit above is the SBGK200 Steering Box Gusset Kit for the 1982 and newer GM 4X4 with the factory corner bracket. Fits up to 1987 truck and through 1992 Blazers and Suburbans. Price is $130 1973 to 1982 Chevy-GMC 4WD
Our original design 4WD steering box gusset kit, SBGK 100. Price $120. Around 1984 we were building a show Blazer and wanted to fabricate some kind of brace to protect our frame because we planned on 38" tall tires. We already knew back then how easily they cracked so we wanted some preventive maintenance to protect our cherry frame. Folks, this is a duplicate of the original design unchanged since 1984, and we have sold thousands of them! We have also found out that if you use our motor mounts, Autofab CT350 competition style engine mounts you effectively make the motor a cross-member now instead of dead weight. This helps strengthen the frame in the problem area. Anything you can do to keep the frame from moving will benefit overall drivability and the life of your truck. 2WD Chevy-GMC trucks
The above kit was designed to satisfy requests from Chevy 2WD truck owners who know 4WD owners or used to be one. They wanted some insurance for their frames as well. This kit mounts on the front side of the cross-member and reinforces 2 of the steering box mounting bolts. Fits 1/2 - 3/4 - 1 ton trucks. It's not as common a problem with 2WD trucks, but, we have had to repair them as well. For a small price and a little work you will have peace of mind. Price $95 ea. Rivet replacement kit
A set of 8 bolts Grade 8 with premium top lock nuts. Use this kit when replacing the front cross-member rivets. These rivets loosen up after time and the only repair is too drill them out and replace with hardware you can torque together. Price $24
All steering box gusset kits for the 4x4 trucks and Blazers are $130. The 2wd gusset kit is $95. You can order by calling us direct at AUTOFAB (619)-562-1740 or by sending an e-mail to john@autofab.com with your name, address, phone number and your order or questions.
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