Stiffer Steering Stabilizer?

[Rex2022]

I’m currently using a Rancho RS5000 Steering Stabilizer. I find it to be on the light side of steering wheel handling. Can someone recommend a stiffer stabilizer? However, not so stiff that it helps push the steering to one side.

2003 TJ
33" tires

 

[Jerry Bransford]

That's not the job of the steering damper (aka stabilizer). What air pressure is in your tires, and what are your caster and toe-in angles? Any of those can and will affect the steering in multiple ways.

 

[Pfarmer]

The Fox is stiffer for sure, but not a true 50/50 on my experience. May take some adjustment. I drive rough stuff, and the Rancho works great. What are you driving?

 

[JMT]

I’m currently using a Rancho RS5000 Steering Stabilizer. I find it to be on the light side of steering wheel handling. Can someone recommend a stiffer stabilizer? However, not so stiff that it helps push the steering to one side.​

2003 TJ
33" tires

The steering damper is not the problem.

What’s your caster? Tire pressure?

 

[bucky]

I thought a steering stabilizer was used to prevent broken thumbs. My 19 F250 just got recalled for the stabilizer to be replaced.
Somebody Please suggest going to a dual stabilizer. My popcorn is ready.

 

[Rex2022]

That's not the job of the steering damper (aka stabilizer). What air pressure is in your tires, and what are your caster and toe-in angles? Any of those can and will affect the steering in multiple ways.

I'm running 26psi with my BFGs. I have no idea what my angles are are. The TJ has a factory 3.5" lift it that matters. The steering gets a little light over 55mph. I have 95k on the odo. I don't think there is excessive wear in the steering box. The steering wheel is very responsive with any tire movement.

 

[Rex2022]

FYI, I bought this TJ a year ago from the original owner and been fixing it up. The original steering stabilizer was a yellow color, no idea what it was. It seemed to dampen better or have more control at higher speeds. I threw it out when I replaced it.

 

[Steel City 06]

Ram assist is the ultimate steering stabilizer. Basically solid unless you're turning it. BMB sells a bolt-on kit; you just need a steering box with ports.

 

[chili_pepper]

I'm running 26psi with my BFGs.

No doubt responses will vary, but for road use I run 32-35 psi in my 31x10.5 KO2's.

The TJ has a factory 3.5" lift it that matters.

I could be wrong (have been many times) but I don't think that's actually a thing.

 

[L J]

Can someone recommend a stiffer stabilizer? However, not so stiff that it helps push the steering to one side.

I used the Old Man Emu stabilizer for a JK (OMESD48). It's valved "tighter" but it's not cheap at ~$120. It works great but I don't know if I'd have paid the entire cost out of pocket (had a gift card to spend at the time).

Ram assist is the ultimate steering stabilizer. Basically solid unless you're turning it. BMB sells a bolt-on kit; you just need a steering box with ports ...

and a couple to a few grand to spend.

 

[MikekiM]

Somebody Please suggest going to a dual stabilizer. My popcorn is ready.

Try this... Seems to work for the JK folks...

 

[MikekiM]

....The original steering stabilizer was a yellow color....

Yellow is a good color.

 

[TheBoogieman]

RC.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

There was no factory 3.5" suspension lift. I'd take it to an alignment shop and get a printout of its caster, camber, and toe-in angles. That way we can tell you if your steering is screwed up due to an improper toe-in or caster angle.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

Ram assist is the ultimate steering stabilizer. Basically solid unless you're turning it. BMB sells a bolt-on kit; you just need a steering box with ports.

Full hydro may do this, but not hydro-assist. I’ve actually experienced death wobble with my hydro assist.

 

[Rex2022]

There was no factory 3.5" suspension lift. I'd take it to an alignment shop and get a printout of its caster, camber, and toe-in angles. That way we can tell you if your steering is screwed up due to an improper toe-in or caster angle.

The original owner bought the TJ as is new from a local big name dealership. It would appear then that the dealer had it lifted.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

The original owner bought the TJ as is new from a local big name dealership. It would appear then that the dealer had it lifted.

Yes that's how that kind of thing happens. I used to be with a company that would take brand-new TJs from Jeep dealerships and add suspension lifts and bigger tires with aluminum wheels.

 

[Rex2022]

Yes that's how that kind of thing happens. I used to be with a company that would take brand-new TJs from Jeep dealerships and add suspension lifts and bigger tires with aluminum wheels.

Yep, the TJ came new with the lift, 33" tires, and Eagle aluminum wheels.

 

[JMT]

Yep, the TJ came new with the lift, 33" tires, and Eagle aluminum wheels.

At this point I’d check my caster.

Crawl under the Jeep and put your angle finder on this spot. For 33’s you really need about 5.5*-6.5*. My guess is you’re just under 5*. You probably don’t have adjustable control arms, but you need them to adjust the caster.

 

[Rex2022]

JMT, thanks for the post. I took my measurements and it came out to 6 degrees.