73-87 GM Steering box reinforcement bracket

Prevent cracking your frame and stiffen up your steering system!

Applications: 4x4 1973-1987 (also 88-91 some models) GMC Chevy K5, K10, K20, K30 Suburban, Blazer, Jimmy, V1500, V2500, V3500, M1008, M1009

What is the Steering box reinforcement bracket?

On 73-87 Squarebody gm trucks/SUV's it is very common for the frame to crack right behind the steering gear box. It's probably more likely to find one that is cracked than not cracked. The Hogback Fabrication steering box reinforcement is all about keeping the frame together: our brace ties the steering box, frame rail and crossmember together far better than the competition.  It not only keeps the frame from breaking where the steering box bolts on but it also makes the frame stiffer.

Why use the Hogback fab steering box reinforcement bracket?

It is hands down the STRONGEST bracket on the market! Through extensive testing and working with these trucks for many years we have developed a bracket that is 40% stiffer than the competition and built out of ¼” plate rather than 3/16. The hardware is  72% stronger in shear and has over 80% more clamp force than the others. Make sure your truck has the best!

We develop and produce this bracket here so we can bring you the best value/strength. We don't resell it like other squarebody companies.....

 How easy is it to install the steering box reinforcement bracket on my truck?

Very easy!

1. Remove stock bolts that hold steering box to the frame
2. Position main bracket (Large bracket) in place on the engine side of core support cross member. 
3. Loosely bolt the bracket to the steering box on the inside of the frame.
4. From there mark the holes to be drilled on the engine side of the core support crossmember.
5. Remove the reinforcement bracket and drill the holes on the crossmember
6. Bolt the large reinforcement bracket back in, torque the steering box bolts to 75 ft/lbs and the crossmember bolts to 155 ft/lbs. Start out by bolting both ends in loosely, then tighten incrementally end for end. After 50 plus years of movement things can be pretty off kilter. 
7. Install the smaller bracket on the bumper side of the crossmember by bolting to the steering box and to the core support crossmember. Torque 7/16" bolts to 75 ft/lbs and the 9/16" bolt to 155 ft/lbs. Depending on the vehicle, the customer will have either one or two holes line up.  They can use just the existing hole/holes, or drill out more for extra strength.  Hardware for either option is included.
8. After 100 miles retorque all bolts

 NOTE: Does not work with cummins or duramax swapped trucks

NOTE: This bracket is designed to have the closest tolerances possible to result in the most strength, because of this and how imperfect/worn these frames are in this era here are a couple tips for fitting.

1. Loosely bolt each end of the bracket in, then sequentially tighten the bolts down. This will pull the frame back into factory spec. Over the years the rivets come loose allowing the frame to become more noodley (even more than it was from factory haha!).

2. When frames are really bad some spacing out of the bracket may be needed. Having to space is rare but can be done with a washer(s) between the frame and bracket, nothing too difficult. Another option is to trim a little on the flats of the bracket. 

HOG TIP: Pair up with a weld on repair plate found HERE