Well although I have ripped my torque boxes twice, I love my SSM bars. The SSM bars are harder on the frame and torque boxes but they hook great with street and drag tires. I get under and shoot grease in mine every 2 weeks or so this keeps them from getting noisy. My car rides a little stiffer with the SSM bars but far from a dump truck
, and I am in the process of adding a cage so it will only be stiffer. As for the torque boxes, you should box them in using the bottom plates that were mentioned, the plate will only go over the front of the box so you still have access to the bar and it will still be able to move far enough. You should also install some re-enforcements, like the Wild Rides "battle boxes" or I make them out of stainless steel so they will never rust and are stronger. My design also added some extra support $125.00/pair. The re-enforcements add a lot of support to the box as they attach the top and side together this keep s the box from pulling away from the frame, you should also weld up as many seams as possibvle as the factory welds are weak. Do that for the uppers as well.
I had a friend who had the Lakewood bars and switched to a set of Mega-Bites and has never looked back. If you get the Lakewoods make sure you put plates on the floor pan so they do not put holes in them.
It really all depends on what you want. The Steeds arms are nice and they will give you the best of both worlds, my dad has them on his 93 Cobra, pull 1.7 60ft on ET STREETS and still corners like a road racer, they feature Poly bushings as well.
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My Ride Check Out My Site 91GT, Holley SysteMAX II Kit-Heads 2.02" x 1.60",Full MAC exhaust 1-5/8" Long tubes, 2-1/2" O.R H-Pipe, 2 1/2" cat back, 12" K&N Filter, RNH PERFORMANCE Ram Air, Ron Davis Radiator, Full Suspension,3:73's, Welds, Best on new motor-12.60 @ 108, no traction 1.98