Well my box used to dance around on the bracket due to all four of its bolts being loose, but I pulled the box off and put in new hardware with grade eight stuff---no prob, right? I had a strange piece of 3/8 plate between the bracket and chassis so it was removed only to show the terrible crack repair that was brazed together...I guess the big ol' plate was there to help things out...The front-most hole looked as if the bolt had pulled through or something, and then repaired, such a bummer. I put the bracket back on with some large washers, ok, the steering is waaay more responsive, but I notice as I jiggle the steering wheel that the whole box/bracket/frame flexes at that area? There is a small crack in the frame again--is that the cause or are they naturally flexy? Is it worth my while to build a steering brace, or will that cause any problems....sorry for the rambling, im beat...

 

I'm not sure if they are naturally flexy but I douby it. If It was my truck I think I'd have a welder have a look and reinforce that whole area. I am no metalurgy expert but i'd say that if it's moving enough that you can see it the metal will fatigue enough that the cracks and such will keep progressing.

It's your steering so of course I'm sure you want it as safe as possible, unlike the previous owner...

 

A good old-timey bumper-jack is sure to expose steering-gear/frame cracks.

I have pointed out hundreds of cracks to un-knowing vehicle owners, once the weight of the vehicle is suspended between the rear wheels and the front bumper; it really makes the cracks open up to where they are no trouble to spot.

4X4 Chevys and Dodges are the worst, as the ends of the front springs tend to pull against the steering-gear mounting points.