LOCATE Rock Tite Metal Fabrication, makers of NICE HD steering bracket mount

[MN CJ7]

Rock Tite Metal Fabrication
http://rocktitemetalfab.com/
HD Steering Box Mounting Bracket


I want to order a Rock Tite HD Steering Bracket and cannot reach the company. Putting on winch and hardware and my bracket was welded by PO and is now cracked again....... so while I have the front apart would like to do this HD Bracket......

There are other steering mounts... by More and another but this is the one I want if can reach them....

MY PROBLEM.....
Their web site is under construction, does not list the address/phone, I sent a Ebay NOTE yesterday AM, and want to get a std order process this AM/today if possible. The Ebay store does not have the bracket or I would have ordered from there with ebays assistance....

Does any one have a phone and address on the literature if you purchased prior?????????



Any more feed back on their HD Steering Bracket???????

 

[CJ]

If it was me, I'd avoid a company that doesn't answer an inquiry about a product they sell, but it's your decision.

As for getting a hold of them.

The domain contact information is listed as

Jeremy Fraley
Ez1 Networks LLC.
302 Oak St
Montpelier, OH 43543
419-293-5061

This is the domain contact info, not necessarily the site operator.

A quick google map of the address shows a place pretty much in the middle of no-where...

-->> 302 oak st montpelier, oh 43543 - Google Maps

 

[PaRenegade]

I've heard of them and their mount but tried to look for them once last fall and got the same thing. They may be out of business. On a side note, I bought a Rusty's s.b. mount and 3 out of 5 holes didn't line up.

I exchanged it (at Qtec.) for a MORE s.b. mount and 2 of the 5 holes didn't line up, but I was able to oblong them to make it fit.

Now part of the reason either didn't line up one of the holes was I was putting it on a new TDK frame and the one shackle mount hole was off. Another issue was the one spacer they(MORE) gave to take up space behind the front shackle mount was too thin. I mocked it up using one of the original mounts I still had and they were 5/16", where the spacer was only 3/16". But after a couple emails and a phone call to MORE, they sent me 2 new thicker spacers. They said it was never an issue but I can't see how it wasn't since I used one of the factory mounts. However it is a b*tch trying to oblong a 7/16" hole in 3/8" plated steel, without a mill.

 

[MN CJ7]

CJ,

Thanks for taking a look and the reply. We think alike...... I also saw the web developer and called him but no answ. Was not suprised at the web developer no answ. I was suprised the Rock Tite did not have number on web site.... being built or not

will post what i found below.

Thanks.




PaRenegade,

Thanks for the pics and feedback on the Rugged Ridge and MORE brackets... that helps. I have seen other posts that say a SB did not fit right.

Also saw Rugged Ridge had "studs" that were put into the steering box with thread lock and then installed. I did not want to use studs. The MORE product feedback of holes not aligning suprised me..... they have pretting good motor mounts and name.

Thanks.

 

[MN CJ7]

Rock Tite sent me a email from Ebay early afternoon. They are out of stock and will be 2-3 weeks till they can ship. Responded and questioned if they have forum discount and could they do in 2 wks if I place order. Planing on trip to ND, MT, WY, CO, SD in April it will be a 2-3 week adventure.... just me and the two Wheatens.

I still want to place order and asked about the disc again, can we do in 2 wks, what is ship charges. So waiting on the reply.

Rock Tite has a nice product on the Steer Bracket......
A friend from my first jeep club, 1970s, has a son driving with his own jeeps now. He purchased Rock Tite five years or so ago and was a very good upgrade for his CJ and did a nice write up with pics.

One reason I like the Rock Tite is they have TWO gussets and should slow down and limit the bracket flex. Theirs is the only one that offers 2 gussets. Also does not have a cross bracket thru the frame. Other Mfgs cost about double.... so I would like to order here.

Will let you know how it goes. Order is NOT placed yet but working on it....

MN CJ7

 

[PaRenegade]

Glad to hear you've found them. Just two points of clarification. The first bracket I tried was from Rusty's, not Rugged Ridge. And even though the MORE had 2 holes that didn't align, one of them was due to the TDK frame hole being off. The bushing issue though was all on them.

 

[MN CJ7]

PaRenegade,

Thanks for the note.... and for taking time to help
I did mix the Rugged Ridge & Rusties products and names.


So summary of HD Steering Brackets mfgs
Rock Tite
MORE
Rusties
Rugged Ridge


I want to use a HD bracket to min flex in the area with larger tires and min are on the edge at 33". Mine is cracked from stress and was welded 6 yrs ago by PO. I have a OEM bracket with no damage but still feel the HD is a better option for many of us..... many have posted this too...


More to come.....
Still trying to confirm they, Rock Tite, can ship in 2 wks and want to place order.... Will post back with what I find...

Paint the winch plate and adapters today

Thanks,

 

[MN CJ7]

WOW!!!...... I would have bet money Rock Tite would have never responded like this...... or should I say NOT RESPOND. I want to place an order, get their product, and maybe even do a bit of of write up on my efforts. I asked if they work with forums, had questions on ship fees, delivery, and if forums get a discount. Even asked if they mfg. the collar brace that mounts to passenger frame rail and the output collar of the steering box. Most / if not ALL of my questions were not addressed or acknowledged....

Thought I would post the email chain below for your review and entertainment. Keep in mind these went thru Ebay Email so there is a paper trail for others to look at. I am almost tempted to write back, can I speak to your Father or an adult....

What would you guys do..... Do I tell there is an acitve forum thread on Jeep CJ Forum and ask him to visit, reply, and discuss his product (s)?? I want their bracket.... but do I have to beg?


This morning March 19, 2012 9:40 am

User details:From User:rocktitemetalfab (985 )100.0% Positive FeedbackMember since Dec-19-03 in United StatesLocation: OH, United StatesActivity with rocktitemetalfab (last 90 days): I have bid on 0 items from rocktitemetalfab
Activity with rocktitemetalfab (last 90 days): rocktitemetalfab has bid on 0 of my items




Dear fjguercio,

I do not think that I will be able to meet your deadline. I will post some on ebay as soon as I get them finished.

Thanks
Justin

- rocktitemetalfab





HD Steering BracketFrom:fjguercio
>Date:Thu, Mar 15, 2012 3:31 pm

Dear Justing,


I am interested in placing order...... Taking jeep trip to ND, Wy, Mt, Co, SD in the spring...... Want to do this before I leave...


I would prefer to order on the phone, thru you web site, or last would be Ebay........ so you guide me and we move forward. I also want to know if you have a JeepForum or similar forum discount?? They usualy do 10% but thought would ask.... Would like to know ship cost also.... If you can do in 2 wks will place order now.....


Thanks

Fred
PS I am by the phone today if you want to call me back?




-----Original Message-----
From: eBay Member: rocktitemetalfab <rockti_exn4109qbfc@members.ebay.com>
To: fjguercio <fjguercio>
Sent: Thu, Mar 15, 2012 11:20 am
Subject: Re: fjguercio has sent a message





eBay sent this message to Fred

Dear fjguercio,

Hello,

I am out of stock. I will not have any ready for 2-3 weeks. They are just getting laser cut and need welded/machined/ and powdered. If you can?t wait I totally understand.

Thanks
Justin


- rocktitemetalfab
Click "respond" to reply through Messages, or go to your email to reply

From: fjguercio
To: rocktitemetalfab
Subject: fjguercio has sent a message
Sent Date: Mar-14-12 11:15:07 PDT


Dear rocktitemetalfab,

Hi,

Ref Steering bracket for 1978 CJ7 Jeep

Have known about your product for a couple of yrs. I went to your web site and is down for constuction last night and still today. I want to buy a mount bracket and have it shipped to my home in MN. I am also a member of JeepForum.com and Jeep-Cj.com so I will post some pics and words. My bud in NY already did a write up for you.

So

I need a bracket asap.... web says $70 and that sounds good.. If you offer a disc for the Jeepforums even better. Also interested in the lower neck brace that goes from steering NECK to the passenger frame rail.

Fred
my home address
my phone number

 

[PaRenegade]

"I am almost tempted to write back, can I speak to your Father or an adult...."
It sounds like it's a one person operation and they obviously have neither there. When I get foggy, misleading, or vague answers like those from vendors, I get the feeling they don't really care if I'm interested in their product or not. And since he doesn't have a corner on the market of HD mounts my business would go elsewhere. Even though my MORE mount didn't come without issues, they made it right free of charge. Rusty's may have done the same but I didn't give them the chance.
But what I would do is show him how word of mouth works via discussion boards within the Jeep community by giving him a link to this thread or others that comment on his customer service or lack thereof!

 

[MN CJ7]

Dear Justin,

Thanks for the reply.......


I need to share I am DISAPOINTED my questions do not get answered and I feel little empathy or assistance in getting my needs for a steering bracket met. I want a Rock Tite Steering Bracket, but do not make me beg.... I asked about shipping charges, do you have the collar bracket support, When you can ship, I want to place an order with Rock Tite Directly????....... I went to your website and its down/under construction..... I used Ebay as one of the many methods to make contact with your company.... Still not produced a phone number, helped me place a order with a delivery date or even contact info.


Now you direct me to EBAY for the steering bracket that should show up sometime in the next 3 weeks.


I think a better option would to say on March Wed 3/28 we can have one completed and ready for shipment.... Call me at # and maybe we can work on alternative shipping methods.


There is thread going on Jeep-CJ.com about your product, and my efforts todate. I wrote this at first to seek out JeepForum members that might have contact info on the literature. You or one of the MANAGERS at Rock Tite might want to stop over to discuss your product....... and maybe....... help further. About 111 members have looked at the thread in the past 5 days. Here is a direct link.
http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/l...-makers-nice-hd-steering-bracket-mount-13304/



Regards,


Fred

 

[Old Dog]

It seems to me that he told you twice that they would not be ready for 2-3 weeks. I'm sure thats the best they can do if they don't even have them from the shop cutting them out.
He's a busy guy and probably doesn't have a lot of time to spend answering e-mails. Good busness, no, but thats how it is sometimes.
If he uses E-bay as a store I'm sure all the delivery info is there.

 

[yellow85cj]

I have one of the Rocktite brackets.

The price was right.

It came on time. Shipped without the over priced shipping method most of the parts guys use.

Come on now, who hasn't bought a 99 cent part that came in a box that could have held 20 of what was ordered and been charged at least 5 times what the part cost, when it could have been sent in a envelope and mailed for a $1?

With a part as heavy as the bracket, the other guys shipping could have added a bunch more to the cost.

The part had nice quality welds, the powder coating was perfect. Looked like something made with PRIDE.

Like PaRenegade's MORE and Rusty's mount it didn't line up. Before I started to complain thoough, I took it over to a friends that had just installed a MORE mount on his 84 CJ (I have an 85) We took his off and mounted the Rocktite. IT FIT PERFECTLY. Took his MORE to my frame and guess what, it didn't line up perfectly. It doesn't take the captured nuts being too far off for the bolts not to fit properly. It wasn't the parts fault, it is the frames (captured nuts) fault.

IMHO, the Rocktite guy telling you he couldn't keep to your schedule was the proper thing to do. He is being honest, something that most companies aren't these days. They just want to sell and that's it. It gets there when it gets there no matter what the promise was.

I will always deal with someone that tells me what he can do and what he can't and leaves the decision to purchase or not to me. To me that is pride and INTEGRITY.

How many companies that we all deal with for our CJ's can that word be attached to?

Fred, in my opinion you are trying to blackmail and bully the man into getting what you want. Not what he can produce.

If he had said he would meet your schedule and not, then, by all means use the tools at hand to get what you deserve. But he hasn't done anything to deserve what you are saying or implying in your posts.

IMHO Fred, Rocktite is up there with a couple of other guys in their product and service.

Eddie with Ground Pounder Fab and Jim with Crabtreetool. They say what they can do, and do what they say.

While they have a lot of competition, I will always go to them first, and wait if I have to. They take PRIDE in what they do and who they are. They make quality products, for reasonable prices and ship at reasonable prices.

That's all I have to say about your "problem and complaints".

 

[MN CJ7]

It seems to me that he told you twice that they would not be ready for 2-3 weeks. I'm sure thats the best they can do if they don't even have them from the shop cutting them out.
He's a busy guy and probably doesn't have a lot of time to spend answering e-mails. Good busness, no, but thats how it is sometimes.
If he uses E-bay as a store I'm sure all the delivery info is there.

NO..... the steering bracket is not shown on his ebay store, nor it the price, nor is the shipping charges. The only product on the ebay store were weld in gussets w/ lazered designs

The 2-3 weeks he first quoted on 3/14 is now 3 wks from todays email..... so his lead time has grown to 4 weeks.

Still has not answered if they have the collar to frame bracket and its a great combo to have both.... the HD steering bracket & the collar to frame bar.

One wk has passed since my first contact and quote 2-3 wks. He had them cut already per his note... I asked because if he can ship one next tues/wed thats 2 wks, if he is in the midwest ship might be 1 day, and I could have in hand to install.

I DO NOT BUY MUCH ON EBAY
Only purchased mayber 5-6 times and some did not go well. 128 Intake & BBD Carb arrrived with lots of damage, was not a nonfeedback carb, seller used fake address and phone... Cashed my tellers ck pretty quick, then would not release the insurance claim...... Seller commits faud you can get your funds back from the bank on tellers ck.... takes 60-90 days. Seller got kicked of Ebay and I believe the sherrif also paid a visit

I did not want to buy on Ebay and stated so.

 

[MN CJ7]

Today email response...
little more info should have been on first email..... Price went up but includes ship charges. Lead time is now 3 wks from today so is a net 4 wks...

First time someone use "LIKE" in a business writing..... times are a changing

Summary...
I still believe they have a good product. Will not place order there.
Looking at the MORE Product and also another vendor I found and will post below. Vendor has not visited thread on Jeep-Cj.com


ebay reply 3/20/12

Dear fjguercio,

Sorry to hear that you?re disappointed. Like, I have promptly stated twice. I will not have any ready for about 3 weeks. I do not sell anything that is not ready to ship. I hate it when other people do that to me. I understand you have a deadline for a trip you are going on and I do not think that we will be able to get you a bracket soon enough. I assumed that you would purchase one elsewhere. That is why I did not take the time to write a huge reply to your questions.

Our website is down and we are only selling on EBay. When they get listed they will cost $85.00 for the bracket and hardware and the shipping will be free. They ship in a medium USPS flat rate box 2 to 3 day delivery.

Once again sorry we could not meet your deadline. I hope that you trip goes well.

Thanks



- rocktitemetalfab

 

[MN CJ7]

Sam's OffRoad
[SIZE=-1]4345 South West Blvd[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Tulsa Oklahoma 74107[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Phone (800) 446-5503[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Fax (918) 446.5373[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]e-mail:staff@samsoffroad.com [/SIZE]


[SIZE=-1]Searching for other options for the HD Steering Bracket... went to Quadratec and the OEM websites and general review. Reading reviews I could find etc. John Nutter, respected very respected jeeper, nutter bypass etc, did a nice write up on their bracket in 2001 [/SIZE]

[SIZE=-1]www.JeepWire.Com Product Review: Sam's OffRoad HD Steering Box Bracket for '76-86 CJs[/SIZE]

[SIZE=-1]Sam's OffRoad bracket is made of 1/2" plate, comes with grade 8 hdw and thick spacers, stoute, and fit. I called them yesterday and could have placed order on phone and was asked to. Ship the same day on most cases.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=-1]They had a second write up on their web site from Offroad.com. Also a very good write up.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=-1]So...... for other jeepers looking for a hd steering bracket.....this appears to be a good choice...[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Cost is 89.98[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]IN STOCK, ships same day[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Shipping is steep $25.45 [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]told them yesterday about USPS flate rate boxes.....[/SIZE]




[SIZE=-1]For those reading along........[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Sams has a very large web site and lots to offer.... IMPRESSIVE[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]BBB on site[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]and a great locker sale on right now...[/SIZE]

[SIZE=-1]Sam's Offroad Online Shopping

MARCH “LOCKER” MADNESS
During March we will be offering a selection of Detroit, Lock Rite, and ARB lockers at 40% or more below current Jobber pricing. These are overstock, returned or re-manufactured items that are currently in stock. No returns or exchanges on these. Once they ship, they’re yours. Quantities and parts #’s are Limited , so call Rick at 800-446-5503 to check availability and to place your order.​

​

[/SIZE]

 

[PaRenegade]

I don't see him blackmailing or bullying the guy, he's just trying to get some questions answered so he himself can make an important and time pertinent decision due to his upcoming trip. The guy may very well be busy, but his vague answers / replies send a different message to his customer base, something real important when running a business. If Eddie or Jim were ask the same question while having the same dilemma I believe they would have given a more insightful reason so as not to push a customer away with a bad taste about his business.
With the amount of internet scams these days people are reluctant to send money to a business who has no website (it's been down for many months) or phone contact info without some leg work to find it, and then to give short, incomplete answers to a potential customer; that's just not using good sense if your wanting to spur more business in today's economy. That's enough to push me in another direction. And it's a shame because by all accounts I've heard it's a great product.
And sending him the link is merely to help him learn by his own mistakes. First impressions are important. That's how businesses grow.

edit: Now that reply (which I seen after responding) was what should have came first and then there would be no issue, I believe.

 

[MN CJ7]

Old Dog & Yellow,

Could not disagree with you more..... Also would be nice to read the thread rather than bash, compliment, or even change the posters thread. Rock Tite may have a nice product but they are not shinning well in this potiential sale.

It seems to me that he told you twice that they would not be ready for 2-3 weeks. I'm sure thats the best they can do if they don't even have them from the shop cutting them out.
He's a busy guy and probably doesn't have a lot of time to spend answering e-mails. Good busness, no, but thats how it is sometimes.
If he uses E-bay as a store I'm sure all the delivery info is there.

Fred, in my opinion you are trying to blackmail and bully the man into getting what you want. Not what he can produce.


If he had said he would meet your schedule and not, then, by all means use the tools at hand to get what you deserve. But he hasn't done anything to deserve what you are saying or implying in your posts.


That's all I have to say about your "problem and complaints".

I asked for contact info... yet Yellow has the product, install info, and was silent if contact info avail.... First post.

Does any one have a phone and address on the literature if you purchased prior?????????


Any more feed back on their HD Steering Bracket???????

I completmented Rock Tite product from a family friend over 12 years or so and His Son has one now. Pretty nice words ..... POST #5

Rock Tite has a nice product on the Steer Bracket...... A friend from my first jeep club, 1970s, has a son driving with his own jeeps now. He purchased Rock Tite five years or so ago and was a very good upgrade for his CJ and did a nice write up with pics.


One reason I like the Rock Tite is they have TWO gussets and should slow down and limit the bracket flex. Theirs is the only one that offers 2 gussets. Also does not have a cross bracket thru the frame.


Will let you know how it goes. Order is NOT placed yet but working on it....

MN CJ7

I have been trying to contact Rock Tite since 3/13/12. PaRenegade said months ago he did the same thing and could not reach the company, web under const. and no phone number listed...... He felt company is out of business. I told company I want to buy steering backet and the collar brace to frame rod. MY BUD has your product, like it, did a write up, I am active Jeep Community and may post some pics and words about your product. Sound pretty good to me!! Nice product, one + write up 5 yrs ago, looking to do another write up.

Rock Tite web site shows $70 for the bracket. The bracket is not shown or listed on the Ebay store.... only a few weld in gusset corners. The price is not on the ebay store. My first email to Rock Tite is complementary of his product, my friend has it and likes it, did a write up, and if you have the second part of bracket brace interested in buying that also.... (never answered in wk of contact. TODAY was the first time RockTite said their ebay price is different and is $85 not $70 and includes shipping.

I said going on adventure in April..... never gave a DATE so for RockTite, old dog, Yellow to say he could not meet my deadline....... Sorry with info given I am the only one that can say that with info provided. First contact was 3/13 so a wk ago. Today Rocktite quotes 3 wks from today, plus the wk that passed so we are at 4 wk now.

My opion.... RockTite does have a nice product from feed back of friend and Yellow.... Not conclusive but says it can work. If the product shows up on the ebay store in 3 weeks or so....... get that again....... NOT ON THE Ebay site in the past week and will not be shown till he has stock again. Odd way to do business...... not sure what would happen if shipment got lost, damaged or other... I would evaluate other options.... and if the below works well it maybe the best option of all of them...... Sams Offroad

I also emailed / gave RockTite my home phone number to make it easy to contact me.

Dear rocktitemetalfab,

Hi,

Ref Steering bracket for 1978 CJ7 Jeep

Have known about your product for a couple of yrs. I went to your web site and is down for constuction last night and still today. I want to buy a mount bracket and have it shipped to my home in MN. I am also a member of JeepForum.com and Jeep-Cj.com so I will post some pics and words. My bud in NY already did a write up for you.

So

I need a bracket asap.... web says $70 and that sounds good.. If you offer a disc for the Jeepforums even better. Also interested in the lower neck brace that goes from steering NECK to the passenger frame rail.

Fred
my home address
my phone number

Appologies?

 

[MN CJ7]

Jeep CJ HD Steering Bracket

SAMs Offroad
MORE
Rusties
Rugged Ridge
Rock Tite

All make HD steering Brackets for CJ.

UPDATE
Yesterday and Today had two great conversations with SAM's Offroad in Tulsa. They invented the HD Steering Bracket back in 1996 for their own use..... their were needs and they helped other racers and CJ owners like us. I found them reading reviews on CJ steering Brackets and saw a posted review by John Nutter that had nothing but great things to say about their bracket and co from 2001.

Well this after noon I place a web order so I would be in their email alert system. Also invited twice to place phone order.... Sams asked for the order twice...nice. I felt like a customer and they are a class act... like Summit and Quadratec.

Ordered after lunch,
got email acknowledge of order in 15 min or so,
got a thank you from the phone contact via email we saw your order
got the tracking number a few hours later.
shipped the same day!

This is 1/2" plate and the FIRST to make this HD bracket.

Will let you know when it gets here and general review

Ck them out have LOTs for our jeeps, alxes, lockers, track bars, winches, monthly specials.

Sam's OffRoad[SIZE=-1]Dept JeepWire.Com[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]4345 South West Blvd[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Tulsa Oklahoma 74107[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Phone (800) 446-5503[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Fax (918) 446.5373[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]e-mail:[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]staff@samsoffroad.com[/SIZE]

 

[MN CJ7]

Sam's Offroad mfgs nice Heavy Duty Steering Bracket Mount, made in USA

Sam's Offroad HD Steering Bracket arrived last Monday USP, came a few days after my order... Opended the box and nice 1/2" welded steering bracket mount with grade 8 hardware included....

I am pleased with my purchase.... all the holes lined up. ONE hole needed to be trimmed with my air die grinder about .050 on one side due to PO damage.... The PO hit something pretty hard and I had damage, sway bar mts, dented oil pan, took out ring gear, fan/radiator, to fix when I got the jeep, you get the idea.... so not suprised one hole was tweeked a bit esp since this was all front end related....

Sam's HD steerign Bracket also comes with 3 holes on the top for the jeep cross member, so a third hole can be drilled for those running larger tires. I think you can see the third hole in the pics below on the bracket.. I am running 33" tires so did not drill the third hole in jeep cross member. The third extra would help with moments and flex and spread out forces some..... also could consider a brace from lower steering box neck to passenger frame rail.

SO Glad I did this work....made steering better, & more PO damage showed up.

The PO broked the steering bracket and welded it back together..... I painted and cleaned it up with my restore and repairs 5 yrs ago.... When I took off bumper, winch work, etc, I saw the OEM steering bracket was cracked on the forward mount hole..... when I took it off it was cracked for 3" so I might have gone for a "ride one day".... ALL of us CJ owners need to look at the steering bracket for fatigue and crackes.... see pics..

Also my steering was pretty great already for a CJ the HD steering bracket made it better and when the winch plate was installed it was even a bit better yet..... Drives like a new CJ.

This is what started me on the hd steering bracket work.
Installing Promark Midnight Series 10,000# winch and wanted to do the Heavy Duty steering bracket at the same time to save on work and to have better access to the steering bracket.... Pretty nice winch by the way. Bumper fasterners are hidden, and some of winch and steering bracket are also hard to get to...... All of this takes planning and make sure it all fits before you start the install... If all nuts/fasteners go well the steering bracket alone can take several hours.....

Well I had busted off frame nuts/bolts ALL OF THEM and had fed bolts thru the frame for the steering bracket 5 years ago..... and use a screw driver to keep the head from spinning inside the frame as they were snugged from below with a socket. I had two frame bolts/nuts holding the steering bracket and you can see the rust/polish areas so the bracket was flexing some....

I use a hammer and punch to bust four more welded nuts out of the frame and replaced the spring perches and steering bracket with nuts welded to flat stock...This time around I welded nuts to 1/8" flat stock to add strenght and keep the nuts inside the frame from spinning....

I enlarged the outside frame hole on both passenger/drivers frame rail from 3/4 to 1" and it gave me the room to fit the plate/nuts combos and is a good fix and well accepted in jeep forums/circles... Pics below...

I am pleased with the bracket from Sams Offroad... and would buy again and recommend w/o reservation....














all done, winch and steering bracket.... pretty stout.... winch plate is 3/8" one pc bent, 1/4" angle iron sides, steering bracket is 1/2" plate welded... Winch plate weight is 26# and the steering bracket weight is 9.5# (not inlcuding Hdw or angle iron side plates).

 

[PaRenegade]

Re: Sam's Offroad mfgs nice Heavy Duty Steering Bracket Mount, made in USA

Question for you, actually two. What is the thickness of the 2 smaller spacers they supplied? Did they give any directions or a template on how to locate the third hole on the crossmember? Most of these brackets offer that additional hole but fail to tell you how to get the hole in the right location. There is zero room to mark it or drill it from the bottom where it mounts. A template made using the other two holes to triangulate the new hole is about the only way I can figure out how to locate it. You'd think they'd help out with adding this additional hole.