I was told by a friend that it would be a good idea to beef up the frame around my steering box. I did notice that it flexed some when you turn the wheels. Has anyone done something to there like this?

 

I've never heard that, and I just completely rebuilt my entire front end. The frame iself is designed to be flexible.

But if your frame (which is 1/4 inch thick 3 sided channel) is flexing when you turn the wheels, I'd definately be looking at the set up for weakness in YOUR frame.

 

I have not seen anything wrong myself. Just wanted to see if anyone may have some input. Thanks.

 

Are you sure the bolts are tight? They are famous for coming loose over time.

 

They are not real tight for now because I am still working on it. I was just asking the question to see if there was a problem in this area. From what I can see on mine it is not cracked any where.

 

Friend must be a Chevy guy, THEY are famous for cracking in that area

 

I haven't heard of anyone needing to re-inforce this area on their frame and there's a lot of Truck-Heads on this site. My only caution would be that if you do make some changes, consider where the energy will transfer to. Short of boxing the entire frame whatever you do will find the easiest path to release.

 

I had a 51 frame one time with a problem in the steering box location. The frame was stressed and severely cracked all around the bolt area. It was too bad to be fixed. A patient person would have had to cut out a one foot section and replace it. This would not be a safe remedy.