Author Topic: Steering Stabilizer  (Read 1380 times)

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Greatwhite

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Steering Stabilizer
« on: November 05, 2006, 10:57:14 AM »
Anyone have a reccomendation on a steering stabilizer? Ive been looking at this one here Trail Master 4 way

Offline Jeffy

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Re: Steering Stabilizer
« Reply #1 on: November 05, 2006, 11:39:01 AM »
Quote from: "Greatwhite"
Anyone have a reccomendation on a steering stabilizer? Ive been looking at this one here Trail Master 4 way


I think the 4-Way is a bit gimicky.  If you're steering geometry along with your caster is correct you shouldn't really need a steering stabilizer.  Your Jeep already has return to center.  It's called caster.  With caster the wheels will naturally return to center without any mechanical help. I guess it would help with bumpsteer but again, I doubt it will help much.  You've got half of the Jeeps weight working against you.  A small spring on a shock body isn't going to fix that.  Bumpsteer is causes by your steering geometry being out of wack.  The distance drag-link should be close to parallel to the tie-rod.  If not, as the suspension compresses the pitman arm the distance between the pitman arm and the tie-rod reduces.  Since the drag-link can't shrink, it shoves the wheel out in one direction.  (That's because you're holding the wheel.  You might feel a slight tug at the wheel though.)  Then you'll try yo correct for the pull and when the suspension comes back up, the Jeep will want to pull in the other direction.  To correct this, you need to redo the steering geometry.

I'd probably go with something cheaper.  Maybe the Fabtech or OME.  I've got a Rancho on mine that I picked up for $0.  If anything stay away from dual setups.
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Liljeepz

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Steering Stabilizer
« Reply #2 on: November 05, 2006, 04:47:32 PM »
Funny! I was just out side trying to install mine.
I have a Doestch Tech. its cheep and will do the job just fine.

Only problem is I don't know how to remove the pin that the castle nut is on. Any ideas? I had to put every thing back together because it got dark and cold out side. Going to try it again tomorrow.

Offline Jeffy

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Steering Stabilizer
« Reply #3 on: November 05, 2006, 06:01:12 PM »
Quote from: "Liljeepz"
Funny! I was just out side trying to install mine.
I have a Doestch Tech. its cheep and will do the job just fine.

Only problem is I don't know how to remove the pin that the castle nut is on. Any ideas? I had to put every thing back together because it got dark and cold out side. Going to try it again tomorrow.


Loosen the nut then take a punch and a hammer and hit the center of the bolt.  The bolt is tapered into the tie-rod.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZNlr60GXH5OlKIFrT7P6mg
My Jeep: http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php?topic=2783.0
"If the motor car were invented today, there is absolutely no way that any government in the world would let normal members of the public drive one."

Offline Mozman68

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Steering Stabilizer
« Reply #4 on: November 06, 2006, 04:09:40 PM »
Quote from: "Liljeepz"
Funny! I was just out side trying to install mine.
I have a Doestch Tech. its cheep and will do the job just fine.

Only problem is I don't know how to remove the pin that the castle nut is on. Any ideas? I had to put every thing back together because it got dark and cold out side. Going to try it again tomorrow.


I couldn't get mine out either...went to AutoZone and rented a puller (the one smaller than the pitman arm one...just take it out to your Jeep and make sure it fits)...and used it as a "pusher"...did the trick after a few turns.
2009 Audi S5....what....its 4wd...sort of....

YJmechanic

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Steering Stabilizer
« Reply #5 on: November 08, 2006, 07:14:12 PM »
i run a skyjacker that i got for next to nothing but i had a rancho 5000 and that seemed to work good on my xj.  but jeffy is right alignment is key.  go to a good alignment tech and he can make your jeep steer the way you want to.

Greatwhite

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Steering Stabilizer
« Reply #6 on: November 09, 2006, 11:53:51 AM »
Not really having any difficulties with the stock set up.  When i changed my shocks when i lifted the jeep the stock shocks were just boiled, totally shot.  So i figured that it probably wouldnt hurt to replace the stock stabilizer up front.  After doing some digging i found the trail master 4 way, more than anything thought it would look cool  :D but it sounds like the cheap standard stabilizers will do the job just fine, the old form over function debate  :lol: