Hey all,

I have an old (15 years) 2" calmini lift and notice a cracked weld on the brace bar that connects the two front control  arms(see pictures below).  I didn't see this brace included in the newer 2" lift kits so I am assuming they changed the kit a little and it probably doesn't use this brace anymore.  So, should I just weld the ear and call it a day or do you think I would be better off trying to find a new brace.  Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Maybee this will be a good excuse for me to convince my wife to let me purchase the 3" lift . 

Here's the other picture

I'd probably just weld it or take it off, it isn't included in the newer kits. The one they have that fits in there is sold as a steering stabilizer, it also is needed for their front skid plate. I'm making a similar piece to fit in there made of 2x3x1/8 box steel.

I would definitely weld it. If it is there, and it is cracked, its probably because it is doing some work. If you remove it, you will have a weaker setup. And welding that back on isn't ver difficult .
But if you really want a 3" lift go ahead!

Or I have a twin spare I'm not using (new) 50 bucks + s/h

Yeah, I think I'll just weld it.  I've had my front skid plate off since August and forgot that it was used for that and the stabilizer.  My brain is completely out to lunch this weekend.  Thanks!

I would definitely weld it. If it is there, and it is cracked, its probably because it is doing some work. If you remove it, you will have a weaker setup.

Where he marked it was bent, it seems he hit something that caused it to bend, which probably resulted in the weld cracking, don't you think?

Definately, it is pretty banged up under this thing..even with the skid plates. 

ADavis,
I am running a Calmini 2" Kit that I purchased in 94. It did not come with the brace. I ran it for years on my trail rig and now it has been retired to street use on my 90 X-90. I always thought that the cross brace was a 'mounting point' for the front shid plate and steering damper? I dont think it would bother any thing to remove the brace, but I would call Calmini (1-800-345-3305) and double check that the early lifts dont have a design difference that would require you to run the brace.

HTH,
Zig

PS If you dont want to cal them for info and retire your old kit (to replace it with a bigger/better 3" kit) we would all understand 

Calmini 2" Suspension, 3" body, and 33's


Calmini 3" Suspension, 3" body, and 33's

Zig, you're right.  The cross brack is a mounting point for the front skid plate and the steering damper.  I'll probably just end up welding it.  I really want to get the 3" kit but I think I would be better off putting that money towards a good rollcage first.  As much as I want the 3" kit, I figure it is a very capable rig with the 2" suspension and body lift, front & rear lockers, and t-case gears.   Although I know that you use to have the 2" on your rig, did you notice a big difference going from the 2" to the 3" in stability and articulation? 

Thanks

Aaron

Was that brace redesigned into this:

http://www.puresuzuki.com/stabilizer_&_truss.htm

That is the part.  Although the original is a little different

Was that brace redesigned into this:

http://www.puresuzuki.com/stabilizer_&_truss.htm

Yeah, that's the current one - I can see why they changed it, with new upgraded machinery, the new one looks computer cut, and no welding. Probably stronger too.

Yeah, and the side that is cracked on mine doesn't have the support in the rear.  Where the passenger side as two ears that slide between the rails, the drivers side only has the front one.