Who's purchased a tubular steering brace? And I am really curious as to why Spohn offers an adjustable one. Should I bother trying to make one? Looks to me like they're all made of 1.25 w/ .120-.125" wall tubing, sounds simple.

That brings me to the other question. I was talking to a fellow 3rd-gen driver and apparently he's owned 3 different 3rd-gens and had the same engine (both ran low 12's) in two of them, and all three have cracked/broken the frame near/behind the steering box. He wasn't real specific on the placement and size of the cracks he witnessed, and it didn't sound like he cared enough to fix it either. Is this a common problem due to the frame flexing? Can I avoid this? has it already happened? (doesn't look like it) Do SFC's help?

I desire knowledge, please help

 

thats alot of ?'s, ok here we go, u might as well buy it, i did from TDS....powdercoated niceeeeeee only 60$ can beat it, they are simple but its really up to u but strength is the issue. yes the cracked subframe by the steering box is a big problem on the third gens, its where all the twisting happens and alot of force is exerted on that area from the steering box, this usually has to be fixed or serious problems can occur. this has to be a strong area expecially for the steering/cornering. the cracks occur at the bolt holes that attach the steering box to the frame, eventually could lead to loose bolts or them falling out/ripping out and ur screwed then. if it has happened the only way to tell would be to look and see, u would be able to see the cracks if u looked. the only real way to advoid this would be to add the steering brace and subframes...u have to help lessin the twisting thats causing the problem. steering brace helps alot and u can feel a diff in how the front end tightens up. if u do the brace, do the poly sway bar bushings and endlinks from energy suspension u will love the new feel, cornering, and steering responsiveness. if they are cracked then u could get them welded/fixed and grinded down etc to make it flush if it is cracked then the brace is a must, and subframes would help alot.

hope this helped, oh yea the adjustable one is so that u can preload the front by jacking the front up and tightening it bringing the front subfames together. not really necessary unless ur a racer.

 

I greatly appreciate your response. I haven't found anywhere else on here that talked about the frame cracking problem. I will definately look into this. i am having my frame straightened as soon as the financial situation is resolved(my fault) and would like to do some suspension/chassis work there after.

has anybody else found an easy way to limit the twist in that area? Could I weld in some more metal in that area to strengthen where the steering box is mounted to?

Thanks again -wimbo

 

The normal wonderbar of course, an STB, then a custom brace behind the steering box.

http://www.cardomain.com/member_page...752_3_full.jpg

And a fourth brace just in front of the trans behind the a-arm ears supporting them from flexing inward also.
http://www.cardomain.com/member_page...52_17_full.jpg