Have a 2013 Rubi with 2.5" AEV lift, AEV control arm relocation brackets and running 35s MTR Kevlar. I am in the process of installing Synergy Front Track Bar Brace & Sector Shaft Brace with JKS Manufacturing Steering Stabilizer Relocation Bracket that will be welded on the axle end to help brace the bracket that holds the trackbar. Im not a rock crawler, but do go over rocks when I have to. We would like to do the Alpine loop in CO and some of the trails around Ouray this coming summer and just looking hear some feedback on gussetting the knuckles... I know it wouldn't hurt, but Im not an exttreme crawler. I usually take the easier and safer route if there is one... thoughts on gusseting for overland or street use type jeeps. TIA

Here are the braces Im adding...
http://www.quadratec.com/products/16315_60XX_C_PG.htm
http://www.quadratec.com/products/16007_0102.htm
http://www.quadratec.com/products/16007_0105.htm

 

Gusseting is a good idea for any JK/JKU that gets wheeled or even might see a good sized pothole.

 

With large tires like that, you could even bend the C hitting a pothole the right way. It's a no brain-er considering how cheap it is to do it.

 

Since you are putting that much money and effort into steering upgrades, and you are already welding brackets onto the axle, I am curious why you are trying to talk yourself out of gussets?

 

thanks for the feedback.... I think I'll do the C gussets as a DIY. Never welded before but always wanted to try. This would be a perfect time to learn.

 

Reason being is Im a DIYer and never welded before, I dont like shops... but doing some research, welding seems easier now than ever with the fluxcore setup, I found a welding unit than can do 3/16" but found one that should be able to do the gussets as well... It should be able to weld 1/4" plates easily. The C gussets seemed a little bit more intimidating as a DIYer... but screw it, Ill do it myself.

 

Do you need to get new ball joints when welding gussets? Would he heat destroy them?

 

Gotcha, understandable. Welding is a skill I have wanted to pick up, just never got around to it. Good to hear that you are giving it a shot.

Depends on the person doing the welding. Too much heat will melt the plastic inserts/ fry the grease, so the general recommendation is to take your time, switch back and forth to different areas, and use wet towels or whatever to keep it cool. Lots of how-to threads and videos to browse through for pointers.

 

as for welding... im just gonna go with a 120v fluxcore type welding... should the sensors, lockers etc (electricals) be pulled off the axles for isolation... Im not talking about heat protection but more about grounding and noise protection that may be fed into the cpu of the jeep. Anyone know the rule of them when it comes to the subject of protecting electronics when welding?

 

Just unhook the battery cables and you should be fine. You should pick up some scrap steel, you might be able to get some rems from a steel house, and practice on that before you weld on your vehicle.