Finally got around to installing the steering box brace from Ironman4x4fab.
Apparently there is a rare steering box casting that causes a clearance issue with one of the clamp tabs.
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Andy said he has only seen this one other time. Nothing a little grinding won't take care of since I already had the grinder out as I had to clearance the front lip of the brace to clear the front receiver hitch that uses two of the same bolts per side.
Even though the front cross member is slightly bent by a previous owner the brace still installed without much fuss.
Can't wait to get this XJ back on the road.....getting closer.

Also have to give kudos to Andy who responded to my FB Messenger inquiry regarding the steering box clearance issue on a Sunday. I sent the message not expecting a response until Monday, but within minutes he got back to me.