TJ steering box relocation

zeke392 · Sep 9, 2017

I have seen posts about rolling the steering boxes flat when stretching the front axle forward, and I know there are some kits available like the TNT Kit. I have seen people add channel across the front of the frame and eliminate the round cross tube, and I've seen people notch out the round tube to allow for the steering box roll. I have an 07 SD 60 with the coil springs centered over the axle tubes, so I'm guessing it pushed the axle forward 3 or so inches. Can I see some pictures of the steering box and set up from some of you who have done the roll? I know what the TNT kit looks like installed, I'm most interetsed in other options. I have a radius arm set up, coil springs and will be adding a trackbar and most likely hydro-assist too but I need to figure out my steering 1st.
Thank you

sexxy · Sep 9, 2017

Would an astro minivan steering box be an option? It move the pitman arm from rear facing to forward facing which allows for the forward movement of the axle. I did 2 straight axle conversions on s10's and used a astro box both times. My steering was great, no bump steer ever even without steering damper. It may not be and option for your application, just thought I would mention it.

The Luke · Sep 9, 2017

I did the same with an Astro box. Awesome results and worked perfect for pushing the front axle about 3" fwd.

fabricator1 · Sep 9, 2017

The Astro van box will work, but you will more than likely want to roll the front of the box up. At least on a tj the pitman arm will be sticking out the front and hanging pretty low. You will smack it on all kinds of rocks.

zeke392 · Sep 9, 2017

The Astro box is an option that I have not considered. I already have a Durango box so I would like to stay this route. Thanks for the input

rugger99 · Sep 10, 2017

This is what I did with my YJ. I moved my axle forward 2.5" and replaced the front frame with 1.75" DOM. I got the kit from a guy on Pirate4x4, goes by GTXRacer.

http://www.hardlinecrawlers.com/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=52378.0;attach=78654;image

http://www.hardlinecrawlers.com/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=52378.0;attach=78652;image

http://www.hardlinecrawlers.com/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=52378.0;attach=78648;image

xjcrawler · Sep 10, 2017

Here's how we did mine....

zeke392 · Sep 11, 2017

rugger99 said:
This is what I did with my YJ. I moved my axle forward 2.5" and replaced the front frame with 1.75" DOM. I got the kit from a guy on Pirate4x4, goes by GTXRacer.

http://www.hardlinecrawlers.com/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=52378.0;attach=78654;image

http://www.hardlinecrawlers.com/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=52378.0;attach=78652;image

http://www.hardlinecrawlers.com/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=52378.0;attach=78648;image

Nice job but a little more extreme than what I am doing. Did you get the bracket from him or the whole tube kit? Thanks for the pictures

zeke392 · Sep 11, 2017

xjcrawler said:
Here's how we did mine....

Thanks for the pictures, I like this. You have a bumper tack welded in place, then you went a different route? Is it plate or angle iron? How does the steering shaft and joints work out?

rugger99 · Sep 11, 2017

zeke392 said:
Nice job but a little more extreme than what I am doing. Did you get the bracket from him or the whole tube kit? Thanks for the pictures

Just the steering box mount, the tube work is my creation.

xjcrawler · Sep 11, 2017

zeke392 said:
Thanks for the pictures, I like this. You have a bumper tack welded in place, then you went a different route? Is it plate or angle iron? How does the steering shaft and joints work out?

It's plate with two breaks in to make a u shape basket to hold the winch. Steering worked out good by using all factory stuff and just lengthening the shaft. I'll try to get more pics as Photobucket screwed me like everyone else.

offroadman83 · Sep 11, 2017

Re:

Dang. .makes me wanna relocate mine

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Zonecone · Sep 15, 2017

I have a Astro van box I didn't use. If you want it make me a offer. I'll ship it a problem.

zeke392 · Sep 15, 2017

Zonecone said:
I have a Astro van box I didn't use. If you want it make me a offer. I'll ship it a problem.

Thanks but I'm gonna stick to the Durango box right now

zeke392 · Sep 18, 2017

xjcrawler said:
It's plate with two breaks in to make a u shape basket to hold the winch. Steering worked out good by using all factory stuff and just lengthening the shaft. I'll try to get more pics as Photobucket screwed me like everyone else.

so the winch plate is only connected to the frame in the front? have you had any issues with that flexing when winching or has it been plenty strong?

bjeep · Sep 18, 2017

zeke392 said:
so the winch plate is only connected to the frame in the front? have you had any issues with that flexing when winching or has it been plenty strong?

The plate is a " U " shape. It will rip the frame apart before that plate gives. :****:
It is welded to the front of the rails, go's under the rails and is broke up and is welded inside the rails on the rear. It would have to rip the 1/4 plate up between the rails and take the box off before it would come off.

zeke392 · Sep 18, 2017

bjeep said:
The plate is a " U " shape. It will rip the frame apart before that plate gives. :****:
It is welded to the front of the rails, go's under the rails and is broke up and is welded inside the rails on the rear. It would have to rip the 1/4 plate up between the rails and take the box off before it would come off.

Gotcha, I couldn't tell in the picutres if it was attached under the box too. I like it