74weld stage 1 steering upgrade DIY install

[NORCALGXP]

That‘s a big wrench.

Walk softly and carry a big wrench.

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[Squatch]

Nice. Just looked up this part and saw it’s $1000! Is it worth it? What are you getting with the part that stock doesn’t offer? Thanks!

I know you're not asking me, but I bought the 74weld Stage 1 as well:

Once you hold that aluminum meteorite in your hand, you will know it's worth it.

I'm probably 2yrs away from portals and 38-40" tires and will go Stage 3 then. This is security for the stock rack when upgrading to Icon tie rods and wheeling.

 

[bkfit]

I like the gas carrier/tailgate reinforcement combo. Can you share where it's from?

https://hpbuilt.shop/products/hammer-built-bronco-tire-support-kit

That's the fun part!

28mm to hold the rack parts
40mm to take off the OEM tie rods
1-5/8" for the Icon tie rods

I searched for Icon spec. Awesome thanks.

 

[bkfit]

I know you're not asking me, but I bought the 74weld Stage 1 as well:

Once you hold that aluminum meteorite in your hand, you will know it's worth it.

I'm probably 2yrs away from portals and 38-40" tires and will go Stage 3 then. This is security for the stock rack when upgrading to Icon tie rods and wheeling.

Yes Sir. Tank.

 

[bkfit]

Nice. Just looked up this part and saw it’s $1000! Is it worth it? What are you getting with the part that stock doesn’t offer? Thanks!

Absolutely I’d rather be proactive than reactive in the middle of nowhere with a broken down rig. I’d highly suggest, taking a look at them stage 1, 2 or three definitely value added, for Hoss 2.0 as well as 3.0. Not to mention with a lift 37s and icon tie rods. I don’t wanna be the richest person in the graveyard.

 

[bkfit]

Yep, not sure the purpose of that piece , but for me it's no longer there as it decided to jettison while working on something some time ago. Doesn't seem to be missed though I do stumble across it every now & then in the garage

That’s funny, did the same. Snapped it off.

 

[Blksn955.o]

Thanks for sharing there is a nice vid from 74 weld doing a build of the whole stage 3. takes a lot of the mystery out of the assembly.

 

[Crazy Offroader]

It’s like therapy working on your own rig. Basic dude stuff. After lift & 37s figure 74 weld was in order.

Pat Mac basic dude stuff Hell yea !!!

 

[bkfit]

Pat Mac basic dude stuff Hell yea !!!

MAC is the man, Solid Dude

 

[MadMan4BamaNATL]

No pretty smooth, only real issue was that random piece of plastic passenger side made it difficult to slide on and off. And putting back on the 37s was a good workout.

Very Badass Install man! I’ve been targeting the entire rack from 74Weld, but in maybe 3 years, as it’s roughly $5K, but worth it if running 37s and if ever planning to hit the rocks or someplace gnarly like Windrock.

You’ve got me thinking of this stage 1 so I can beef up my tie rods until ready to go full tilt.

Love all the pics and I’m saving this thread as a reference.

Hells Yeah! For you If we ever wheel at some point.

 

[SS Bronco]

Nice write up, one of the best mods you can do to the Bronco. I went with stage 2, but think it’s an over kill for most owners unless you plan on a lot of rocks. Even then have never seen a failure on any upgraded racks yet.

 

[jh3113]

Sweet!! It’s a good time. Happy hunting.

Approximately how long did it take you and how soon after install did you get an alignment?

 

[bkfit]

Very Badass Install man! I’ve been targeting the entire rack from 74Weld, but in maybe 3 years, as it’s roughly $5K, but worth it if running 37s and if ever planning to hit the rocks or someplace gnarly like Windrock.

You’ve got me thinking of this stage 1 so I can beef up my tie rods until ready to go full tilt.

Love all the pics and I’m saving this thread as a reference.

Hells Yeah! For you If we ever wheel at some point.

For sure . I was gonna do full rack, but thats way over kill for me. I don’t do much rocks 🪨, mainly trails overland up here in the Great Lakes . My bushing & case was iin good condition no mutilation. I was surprised I’ve been pretty rough on her since November 2021.

 

[bkfit]

That random piece of plastic looks like one of the guides meant to direct either oil or coolant into the drain pan when changing fluids.

I thought the rack had to be dropped when installing the 74Weld kit? How difficult was it with the rack left in place?

Super easy. Jack up vehicle. Remove front tires loosen up tie rods with the big ass wrench. Remove tie rods. Wait check that loosen up tie rod to knuckle on both sides. Remove tie rod. Remove bushing from driver side Remove passenger rack , fastener, loosen driver do not remove. Rack will drop down a little allowing you to access the seven hex fasteners. I think they were 30. Remove fasteners. Break free box. Remove bushing from old to new apply gasket maker, inserts retorque fasteners. Lift up rack , place passenger large fastner through rack, torque down, torque down driver fastner to the rack. Thread on tie rods, torque down tie rods. Place clamp of your choice on Ti rod to rack. Fasten tie rod to knuckle. Verify alignment.
Watch vid instruction probably easier then my voice to text work instructions.

 

[bkfit]

Aligned. Didn’t mess it to bad.

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