So, is there really any reason to buy a particular steering stabilizer? I see prices from about $35 for a Monroe to $75 and beyond for some of the other brands that are common.
Thanks,
Daniel
Thanks,
Daniel
Don't install one of those where the steering stabilizer goes. That spring would just give uneven steering.You remember the stabilizer with the coil spring on it? I don't know if they still sell that or not but I remember it from years back.
Don't install one of those where the steering stabilizer goes. That spring would just give uneven steering.
Make it look cooler for more sales to younger Jeepers is my guess. A steering damper certainly does not need a spring.What was the point of the coil spring?
Make is look cooler for more sales to younger Jeepers is my guess. A steering damper certainly does not need a spring.
From what I remember reading about them, they're supposed to help with returning the wheel to center. There were two guys in the local Jeep club that tried them, but didn't keep them on for long. I don't remember their reason for taking them off though.What was the point of the coil spring?
Correct caster & toe-in angles are what provide good steering return-to-center without requiring further assistance from a spring.From what I remember reading about them, they're supposed to help with returning the wheel to center.
A steering stabilizer is more properly known as a steering damper. Its sole job is to help isolate the steering system from bumps & jolts on the road.
If you are having a steering issue like steering feedback, bump steer, death wobble, shimmies, or anything similar, a steering damper is never the fix. A stabilizer/damper can often mask or cover up problems but they're just a band-aid for a problem that has a root cause that needs to be fixed. Another way of saying this is that a new steering damper is never the cure for any steering issue. Period.
A good basic steering stabilizer/damper is just a hydraulic shock that is valved 50:50 so it resists equally in both directions. They don't cost much and something from Monroe, Rancho, etc. that isn't expensive is absolutely fine. I run a very basic Rancho but have used other brands with no real difference. Higher-end stabilzers are normally gas-charged because they're sold by high-end shock manufacturers who usually make nothing but gas-charged shocks. There's no real benefit to a gas-charged (aka "nitro") steering damper because hydraulic shock problems like cavitation that make gas-charged shocks good for suspensions don't exist for a steering system.
Go with a less costly steering damper/stabilizer (which will be hydraulic) and you'll be fine. Make sure the steering stabilizer kit includes a tapered mounting stud as shown below. The OE tapered mounting stud is a permanent part of the OE steering stabilizer so you'll need a replacement after you have removed the OE steering damper.
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Damn alright. Thanks!No need for or benefit to dual steering stabilizers on a TJ.![]()
Twice as much resistance/load on your power steering pump/system. Twice as many laughs for those who know better.Twice as nice!!!!