Steering brace

[Easttnrhino]

I know this is most likley been covered, but what about a steering box brace. I have 2017 would rather prevent problems than try to fix later. Do I need one and whos fits and affordable. I like the dodge off road single side and it fits power wagon. Thanks for help.

[RustyPW]

The single sided DOR is the one to get.

[TwinStick]

The single sided DOR is the one to get.

Yup, what he said ! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[rkgzx9leftcoast]

I should have my DOR brace this week, said it shipped last Friday. I think its the best one for a Wagon also.

[RustyPW]

The other steering braces that mount on both sides of the sway bar need modded to fit the PW because of the smartbar housing. I have modded around 20 of them for other people. Both on here and the "other forum". With the flex of the PW, the DOR is the best one for the job. No mods needed. The other ones are ok for a standard 2500.

[Colibri]

The one exception I'm aware of is DT Profab, they have a power wagon specific brace that spans both frame rails

[FirerescuePW]

The one exception I'm aware of is DT Profab, they have a power wagon specific brace that spans both frame rails

Yep. That's the one I have. No mods. But if I were to do it again, a single-side brace is the way I would go.

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[LagunaH1]

N00b question:

What problem does this solve?

[FirerescuePW]

On the earlier, small box it is a way to lessen the side loads and strain on the sector shaft and bearings. On the new big box it may or may not be needed. I haven't really heard a definitive opinion.

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[DamageWagon]

N00b question:

What problem does this solve?

As the steering box wears through its life, the bearing that supports the huge shaft called the Sector Shaft will wear and develop clearance. This means that your steering wheel will turn some before the load catches and steering of the knuckles begins. Additionally, as the steering gearbox applies torque to the pitman arm, the gearbox mount and the frame flex a small amount. Not much, but since your pitman arm isn't moving much on the small corrections it is enough to notice.

The point of the steering brace is to place the sector shaft into double shear, so that there is a second bearing with a much stronger moment to affect on the sector shaft. This IN THEORY can extend the life of the steering gearbox. Some people (normally with massive slop already in their box) have reported large improvements in steering feel. People with new boxes that o have heard from have said either no change or possibly a small improvement. This obviously makes sense.

There are opinions as to choosing a single side or double side brace. Generally they are that a double side brace had a much larger bearing area to stiffen it, but the downfall is that frame flex will place a load on the bearing assisting the sector shaft. This is why many people choose a single side brace. In my opinion, if you run any brace it will help but only after you wear a fair amazing of all into the sector shaft bearing and the brace bearing takes the load on a regular basis. The only way to really help the steering box is to have a massively stiff brace that is well integrated to the box itself. This is possible, I just don't have a lot of faith in existing stuff.

[LagunaH1]

Thanks for the excellent explanation. Makes a lot of sense



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[Easttnrhino]

Ordered and install DOR steering brace very pleased with fit and quality of work. My truck only has about 3500 miles on it, but steering seems tighter. I was worried about stressing box with front end locked. Very pleased hoping will ward off any future problems.