2002 SE SC 4x4 Steering Damper (stabilizer)

[Ddoggy123]

Quick info request...as stated in title..2002 SE SC 4x4 Xterra ...where can I buy a steering damper...prefer Bilstein as that's what I am running on shocks, but open. Seen lot's of discussion as to pro's and con's..I know it is what I need on my with 35's coming and AK hwys...but be danged if I can find a whole kit...only can find the absorber, but nothing with the brackets or install kits for a do it yourselfer..is it a custom hurdle I need to adapt or is my Internet skills shining as dim as usual lol?

 

[TheFauxFox]

I didn't even realize anyone made one for our trucks...
http://www.4x4parts.com/i-18981188-xterra-steering-stabilizer-kit-with-bilstein-shock.html

 

[Cruecible]

4x4parts.com, as linked above, is the only place I know of that sells the kit.

I'm on my phone so I'm not going to type out the full explanation of why you don't need it. At all. It's a waste of money. Save the money, and instead just upgrade your steering components. Poke around in the 1st gen section for the steering and suspension area to see some examples of steering upgrades. And I'm sure you'll also find explanations of why the steering stabilizer is of no real benefit.

 

[BKxterra718]

35's?!

 

[robcarync]

First things to note: 35s?!?! Nice deal...how did you manage clearance with 35s?

Second thing to note: The steering damper basically just masks feedback in your steering system. If you have sloppy loosey goosey steering response, you probably have weak or worn out steering components. A steering damper may make it "feel better", but all it does is mask an underlying problem.

Third thing to note: 4x4parts.com

 

[Ddoggy123]

Sorry X'rs for the slow reply...work called me to a no cell zone. Back to service finally! Well, I have a 3" suspension lift from 4×4 parts.com, some 1" over arched rear springs with the addaleaf and been running 33's with no issues, I do have most the plastic fender molds removed...I have a set of 35s on the way and a pair of pre runner Fbrglass front fenders and am told I may have to take a BFH to a spot or two at the rear wells too as went all in on a 10" / -24 offset rim to. I have changed the gear ratios in prep for the bigger tires when we added the lockers. As far as the steering I did see the pkg at 4x4 parts.com. My IT skills were showing lol and thanks for your reply to all of you. I am going to do some more research on the steering mods of the builds mentioned. My steering components are in excellent shape right now and drives tight. The only reason I am considering a stabilizer is due to how my rig follows the heavy truck low areas on these AK hwys...the width of this rig and with the 33s is always wanting to swing up and out of them...do you guys think they will help you hold a straighter line...let's put it this way...where the trucks roll over the pavement...holds enough water that you absolutely straddle them or else you hydro plane in a compact car lol..so with that much elevation difference I'm not sure it would help at hwy speeds? Thanks again for your interest and I am always open to ideas, suggestions and experiences.

 

[TJTJ]

Yeah, masking steering wheel vibes won't fix tracking issues, hydroplanning, etc. (That's what the "stabilizers" do)

They are a bad idea...and don't FIX anything, just make it seem fixed while things break more....etc.



Real Fixes:

Adding caster on alignment will help it track straighter, as will a bit more toe if you're short on it. Camber is another obvious area to address if your tires are not pulled back inboard at the tops to compensate for the IFS droop angle from the lift.


Note that the above is no longer the same as factory alignment spec after a lift...so, if you did get it aligned after the lift, and you're having your described problems, you need a real alignment to lift specs, not OEM specs.