Couple 4x4x2 questions..

[Tram]

OK, so I've been fighting my power steering.. Had a leak, wanted to stop the leak.. Attempted a rebuild, now I've got what appears to be spool valve issues. Probably my handiwork in the build.. %)

So.. I'm thinking about either a.) sending this box to WTOR for the rebuild or b.) picking up a 4x4x2 box.

WTOR build is going to run me ~$300 by the time I get my box shipped, etc.

I can grab a 4x4x2 box for $350..

However, if I swap to the 4x4x2 I understand I'll need to reinforce the frame. I have no issues welding a plate to the frame. Fine with me.

But before I get too deep, I'm wondering what else I'll need to replace..

I'm guessing at a minimum hoses are going to be different.
What about steering shaft? Am I going to be looking at a new shaft or at least portions of the shaft?

Anything else?

Thanks guys

 

[BoureeOne]

Don't really need to mod the frame. Just buy one of the adapter plates from a vendor....

 

[Tram]

Don't really need to mod the frame. Just buy one of the adapter plates from a vendor....

I think I'd probably run the BC Bronco's plate..

I guess what I'm really trying to justify is if the 4x4x2 box is worth the upgrade..

 

[Apogee]

What box are you running currently?

 

[sykanr0ng]

From what I've seen most recommend reinforcing the frame even with the factory power steering box.

Unless you are going for a pure restoration, reinforce it.

 

[Tram]

I've got the factory '74 box.

 

[Tram]

From what I've seen most recommend reinforcing the frame even with the factory power steering box.



Unless you are going for a pure restoration, reinforce it.

Nah, it's not a restoration piece. Strictly a mud toy.

 

[jmangi62]

My advise would be to get the 4x4x2 box,I just used the 3/4in plate from JBG,since I was already in there I installed the collapsible shaft with billet joints on the ends,more money but what a sweet set up,you won't regret it,good luck

 

[sykanr0ng]

What size tires are those?

They look big enough that a 4x4x2 box would probably be a better idea than a stock box.

 

[Tram]

They're 35's..

 

[SteveL]

Possible an adjustable drag link depending how much it changes pitman location. I run the 4x4x2 on both mine. No frame reinforcement on the 66 yet but haven't wheeled it real hard. Just mud pits. 72 has the frame reinforced. Took it in the rocks and was good except for whiny ford pump. Thought it was gonna die out there. Now they both have Saginaw pumps. May as well do that while you're at it.

 

[sykanr0ng]

They're 35's..

That's right at the point where 4x4x2 starts to become a better choice.
Can depend on how you drive.

I'd go with the BC Broncos plate, it's not too thick, you shouldn't need to use a BFH on the inner fender to get it to fit.
But eBid (every Bronco is different)

For a few dollars more they're cheap peace of mind when you're wheeling.

 

[ENDLIFE]

I would highly recommend jmangi62's advise and anyone else that suggested the 4x4x2 box with the reinforcement plate. It's the setup I run with 35's. I also used the lower half shaft of the donor truck, bought a cheap piece of double D steering shaft, a u-joint to connect the DD shaft to the column, and I was done.

 

[Tram]

I think I'll be going 4x4x2 and the BCBronco's plate.. At least, right now I am.. Might change my mind in the morning.

 

[ransil]

I just changed mine to a 4x4x2

you will need a u-joint to adapt the current shaft to the new box $75
I also had to extend my shaft , after cutting off old and installing new it was too short by 3", grabbing an F-150 shaft id junkin for a box might be a cheaper route, but sure if the upper side will mate up.

I think the plate the vendors carry is all made by West coast broncos, mine was ordered from JBG but was dropped shipped from WCB.

If I did it again I probably would have done it without the plate, the fittings hit my frame and the booger welds at the cross member, I had to cut the top of the frame and weld a new piece in to get clearance. my frame already had 1/4" reinforcements welded on the box area so that may have caused the issue.

If drilling for hydro assist, the instructions are not real clear, I stared at it for a while and question the taping of the pipe threads in such a shallow hole.

I got my boxes junkin and made my own, rela cheap that way, but I did get a 4x2 box with a bad spool valve and a 4x4 box with a twisted shaft, inspect before buying.

 

[sykanr0ng]

The WCB plate is 3/4 inch thick.
Makes a lot of work to get the steering geometry right, costs $80

http://www.wcb4x4.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WCB&Product_Code=207

The BCB plate is 1/4 inch thick
Comes with DOM tubes for through the frame, much less misalignment, $37

http://www.bcbroncos.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=331

 

[Tram]

Yeh, if I go 4x4x2, it'll be the BCB plate. 3/4 plate is a bit overkill, IMO..

 

[Apogee]

The WCB plate is 3/4 inch thick.
Makes a lot of work to get the steering geometry right, costs $80

http://www.wcb4x4.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WCB&Product_Code=207

The BCB plate is 1/4 inch thick
Comes with DOM tubes for through the frame, much less misalignment, $37

http://www.bcbroncos.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=331

Is the WCB plate tapped so the bolts don't need to run all the way through the frame, hence the thickness? That would also explain some of the cost difference I would think.

 

[thegreatjustino]

Yes, the BC plate requires drilling new holes all the way through the frame. The WCB plate is a bolt on. Bolt the plate to the frame, bolt the box to the plate. No cutting, welding, or drilling required.

 

[sykanr0ng]

Yes, the BC plate requires drilling new holes all the way through the frame. The WCB plate is a bolt on. Bolt the plate to the frame, bolt the box to the plate. No cutting, welding, or drilling required.

While what you say is true the WCB plate is an adapter not a frame reinforcement and adds nothing to keep the bolts through the frame from tearing or crushing the frame.
It also moves the steering box 1/2 inch farther away from the frame than the BCB plate.

Simply bolting the 4x4x2 box on the frame would also require drilling new holes.