Power Steering Box Attachment Question

[dhendriksen]

Hoping to get some input from the group. I have a 1971 Bronco Sport that I recently completed a frame off restoration on. Most of the work, was done by the builder/painter. I've learned that this person cut a lot of corners which I've been remediating, and has me questioning lots of things.

One of the things I did in the build, was add power steering and power disc brakes. I did this via the kits from Wild Horses. The Bronco did not have power steering or power brakes from the factory. As I've been going through everything, I noticed that the power steering box is secured to the frame via 3 bolts. There are 4 bolt holes. Upon reviewing the installation instructions, they say the 4th hole is optional, requires drilling in the frame and is recommended for heavy offroading and/or oversized tires.

This Bronco is a pavement princess, sees a couple thousand miles a year of driving (at most), on city streets in ideal conditions. It does have a 3.5 lift and 33x12.50 tires.

In your opinion, should I pull things apart to drill the hole (in the freshly powder coated frame) and add a crush sleeve to get that 4th bolt secured? Or do you think I'm okay to torque the 3 existing ones to the appropriate spec, then keep an eye on them and check torque over time to ensure there isn't any play being introduced?

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read and share your advice.

 

[AZ73]

Personally I'd stick with the 3 holes and not damage the powder coating. I had AGR buld me a high performance steering box and they used a plate with 3. But why don't you take advantage of Wild Horses new call line:

Figured this might help a few of you out...

If you’ve ever hit that gut-punch moment mid-install where you're staring at a part like “I swear that’s not what it looked like in the picture” you’re not alone. We’ve been testing something behind the scenes that’s actually been a game changer for folks stuck in that exact moment. You can...

classicbroncos.com

 

[Shimmy]

you'll be fine with the 3 holes. stock is 3 too. many folks are running the borgeson box only using 3 holes, me included. I have 35" tires.

 

[Apogee]

Stock is 3-hole...my 4x4x2 F150 box is 3-hole...I wouldn't mess with it unless you plan to go bigger on the tires, and even then, I'd just add ram assist to take some load off the box and still stick with the 3-hole pattern.

 

[dhendriksen]

Thanks guys. I'm going to leave things be and keep an eye on it to make sure I'm not getting any slop.