Steering Stabilizer Questions

[Rex]

I'm getting ready to replace the steering stabilizer on my '74 CJ5. It's old and the jeep seems to be wandering and jumping around on bumpy roads. I thought I'd ask if anyone has any preferences on brands or has had bad or good luck with any particular kind. I am looking at Rancho, Trailmaster, and Skyjacker. The Rancho is 77 dollars, the Trailmaster is 73, the Skyjacker is 56. Oh yeah, Rusty's Offroad has their own for 35 bucks. I'm trying to decide which to get so I'd like some feedback from people who have used these brands and have an opinion about which is best, and whether it's worth it to spend more money or not.

I also am wondering about the dual stabilizer kits. My Jeep has 32" X 12" tires on it and I want to know if it is worth it to go with the dual kit or not. I'm not sure I need that on a CJ5 like mine, which is pretty much stock except for the tires. I am sure that on big 4X4 trucks with huge tires it's a must but for a CJ, it may be unnecessary. Opinions wanted. Thanks.

 

[SteelHeadz]

I've seen and heard good feedbacks on the Rancho and Skyjacker steering dampers. Personnaly, i have the Skyjacker and it's been performing well for the past 8 years.. As for the dual kit, i wouldn't recommend it. It would be useless to have the extra damper for the size tires you have and not to mention the extra strain on the steering at idle during parking lot manuevers.

 

[Ggg]

I would echo SH's brand recommendations and thoughts on dual stabilizers. I would also say check your front end very closely for worn parts, and proper alignment. My last cj5 had 36" tires and did not need any stabilizer. I kept a close eye on proper alignment, and worn parts which paid off in very good road manners. I could steer it with one finger no matter how bad the road. IMO generally speaking steering stabilizers are a "band aid fix" for poor alignment, or worn parts.

 

[88Wrangles]

Technically no vehicle should need a stabilizer. All a stabilizer does is cover up an existing problem (i.e. worn parts, alignment, etc) like Ggg said.

But, I must admit I've ran both Skyjacker and Rancho and they both performed very good. Couldn't tell you which one is better, as like I said they were simply covering other problems and I ran them on different setups.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

He's right, your jeep shouldn't wander even if the steering stabilizer were off. Your problem lies elsewhere, like in the steering linkage and suspension bushings.

A steering stabilizer helps cushion a side impact to the tires which would ordinarily jerk the steering wheel. A single stabilizer is plenty for 32" tires.

 

[unclebill]

He's right, your jeep shouldn't wander even if the steering stabilizer were off. Your problem lies elsewhere, like in the steering linkage and suspension bushings.

A steering stabilizer helps cushion a side impact to the tires which would ordinarily jerk the steering wheel. A single stabilizer is plenty for 32" tires.

My willys tracks perfectly
but i am installing one so i dont bust a thumb when hitting a rock.

 

[phall92139]

I upgraded the stock part with an Old Man Emu steering stabilizer shortly after going to 35X12.50's on 15" rims. My rig is is good alignment, wasn't wandering and I had no weird vibes or death wobble issues but 35's on 15's running around 26 psi can feel a little "spongy" on the road and the OME stabilizer has done a good job of firming up the feel at the steering wheel.

I would certainly have no qualms getting another OME when this one wears out. Don't have experience with anyone elses product so I can't comment there but I do like the Old Man Emu.

BTW- I concur with the consensus on a dual setup. I thinkk if I ever got to the point where I thought that was necessary I go with a hydro-assist instead.

 

[algodones23]

Have to agree with 3g up there. I have a high steer OTT steering system on my Jeep and it doesn't really need a steering shock. I don't have one and use 35" tires. If everything is dialed in right, no need.

Before my high steer kit though, I had a Rancho and couldn't complain on it.