[sandman]

If your jeep has steering slop or larger than stock tires, KORs steering brace may be for you. I had a combo of these things so I ordered one. When you order it be aware that you will need their Energy Suspension bushings as-well.

What I got

Steering brace: $88 http://www.kevinsoffroadmanufacturing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=220_3&produ cts_id=463
Sway bar bushings: $22 http://www.kevinsoffroadmanufacturing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=220_3&produ cts_id=3
Total: $110 + Shipping



Besides a grease gun I don't remember exactly what tools I used, but a basic socket and wrench set can get the job done. More tools will obviously help because the bolts by the steering arm are a bit hard to get to. Beer doesn't hurt either

Begin by removing your old bushings, 4 bolts and the rubber has a slit in it so the bushing will just slide off. I just let my sway bar hang there, my end links hold everything in place pretty well.

As you can see my old bushings were in pretty bad shape.



Keep the bolts because you reuse them, I cleaned mine off with Pb Blaster because they had some rust on them. I also cleaned the frame where they mount.



Clean and grease the sway bar where the bushing sits. Grease the bushings too, I spread grease all over it and gooped it in the sway bar hole, I kind of over did it but more is better than less. Pop the bushing on, it has a slit in it like the OEM rubber one. Install the bracket and line it up with the frame.



start by only installing the rear bolts and keep them loose.



Then put the steering brace in place. On the 4.0 the radiator hose comes close to the steering box so it make take some manipulation of the hose to make it fit, make sure you have the plastic hose protector because there will be a bolt rubbing it and I could see it rubbing a hole real quick.



I had trouble with the driver side bushing holes lining up, it took some sweat but I finaly got it by putting a screwdriver in the adjacent skid plate hole and pushing against the bushing till the holes lined up.



Once you've got all 4 bolts on and tight its time to attach the box mount. I put the bolts in the welded side first for clearance by the radiator hose. If you tighten the left one first it will be easier because you cant get a socket or ratchet wrench on the nut or bolt so you must use an open end wrench. The right side however is much easier. Expect to still need to go back and forth from side to side to get it even or at-least close to even.



Get your grease gun and squeeze some grease in the new bushings and your done.



My steering is tighter and I seem to have completley eliminated my steering groan.

[Wizardstsi]

Nice writeup

[SnowLeopard]

This definitely needs added to the FAQ. I've got a KOR brace ordered, but I've been waiting for a while. I hope it's shipped soon. I think it's been over a month... Went through Kolak. I think I got it for a pretty good price with shipping and all. I remembered the bushings, too.

[tirus89]

It can be used with the stock bushings too, but parts of the bushing needs to be ground down. I used it with the stock bushing setup and it worked perfect.

[SnowLeopard]

But if you're doing this why not just replace the bushings while you're at it? The stock bushings are likely worn at this point, at least for most of us? Yet it will save you a few bucks, and it's good to know that it can be done. How's the brace doing for you, Tirus?

[CLNinja]

FortCollinsZJ makes these braces for half the cost of the KOR braces...

i have the brace from FortCollinsZJ installed on my ZJ and it stiffened up the steering alot... and eliminated all of the groans and crreaks i was getting every time i turned the wheel....... then i installed the IRO over the knuckle steering and it made it even better


by the way im using the stock bushings

[SnowLeopard]

Originally Posted by CLNinja

FortCollinsZJ makes these braces for half the cost of the KOR braces...

i have the brace from FortCollinsZJ installed on my ZJ and it stiffened up the steering alot... and eliminated all of the groans and crreaks i was getting every time i turned the wheel....... then i installed the IRO over the knuckle steering and it made it even better


by the way im using the stock bushings

I think I saw him post that design of his, using part of the 35 to hold the steering gear? Interesting. I just decided to go with KOR's setup. I probably should've gone for the cheaper solution though. It's working that well for you? Me, I've posted about my issues before. So I thought this might clear them up. Next, a lift...someday I hope. Money is like...gone.

[sandman]

i dont think his design will work with the 4.0 due to the fact that the square tubing he uses is too bulky to squeze between the box and the lower radiator hose. IDK though

[FortCollinsZJ]

I changed the design. It works with 4.Ohs now.

Seems like Jeep should have made something like this asa factoryoption, its so simple but so effective.
And yes, I was using old d35 tube, but I ran out. I use regular tube steel now. I

[Jones]

Very nice right up sandman. I had one on order but had to cancel cause the funds weren't there. I'll still be getting one from KOR sometime though. The cool thing for me is I can drive down there and install it instead of having to pay shipping. I did that for my sliders.

[SnowLeopard]

Yeah, Jones. You live right next door to the entire ZJ fabrication world. Envy, envy. I'm going to have a 20 year old Jeep by the time mine resembles anything close to a real wheeler. Why is money so hard to come by?

[Jones]

Kolak and Protofab are in AZ also.

[tirus89]

Originally Posted by SnowLeopard

But if you're doing this why not just replace the bushings while you're at it? The stock bushings are likely worn at this point, at least for most of us? Yet it will save you a few bucks, and it's good to know that it can be done. How's the brace doing for you, Tirus?

Well thats what I thought but when your 18 and pressed for cash you work with what you got. It work good for the 4 months I used the stock bushings and a trip to California where I ended up finding some Energy Bushings and replaced the stock ones anyway. But it worked fine and saved me 20 bucks I didnt have at the time.

[ratmonkey]

i mounted mine under the addco bar bracket using a custom made spacer.

[newfieZJ]

Good stuff Sandman , I recomend these mods to any JGC . The braces are excellant and the new SB frame bushing really bring the new ride feeling and handling back . Nice write-up