Steering stabilizer

Jack Stilts

Skid Plates
Location
Michigan
Anyone have any experience with this? Pros? Cons? Waste of money? Only a few people here are running them and no one talks about the potential good / bad.

I have no plans (read - never) to replace the IFS with a SAS.
 

Intender

Wheeling
Location
Lewisville NC
I have one on mine. I would say that it seems to me to be pretty useless overall. I can tell a difference with it on there, but not really sure its enough to justify the cost. Most people say its worse for the truck overall because it will just mask other problems with the steering system if they arise. I have had mine on there for about 2 years and I can say the only problem I have had with it is that when I first put the thing on I didnt have the wheel straight (DOH!) and when I first started driving down the road it pulled hardcore to the right if I let go of the steering wheel. also if you get an aftermarket steering setup it may not work unless you get something like a grassroots which is a modified factory centerlink. One end of the shock mounts to something up under the truck that is stationary, I honestly cant remember what off the top of my head. The other end bolts to a little bracket that is held to the centerlink with a couple of little U bolts. if the centerlink is bigger than factory it would never work, too small and it might slip. I think I remember reading in your build thread that you plan on getting the total chaos kit so I would check and see if it will fit the centerlink.

For the price of the stabilizer, I would get something like the front diff drop bushings, and lopro bumpstops. I remember reading that you also plan on getting the lift kit, so both of those things can come in handy. I would suggest getting an ilder arm brace, but the AC lift kits come with one. The brace probably cleaned up the little bit of slop I had in my steering more than the stabilizer did.
 
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yellowx16

Need Bigger Tires
Founding Member
Location
Rochester, NY
I have one too. mine is a pro comp one, I don't notice a real difference either. not sure if it's supposed to eliminate bump steer and/or swaying in high winds but it doesn't really do either from what I've noticed.
 

Silver dude

Sliders
Founding Member
I have one, from Rough country. Love it I can tell a immediate difference when offroad. On rocky paths the wheel is dampened rather then spinning or chopping violently. On my 400 mile expedition trip on rough dirt roads I know for a fact I would of been way more fatigued behind the wheel if it wasn't for the stabilizer. Onroad its difference is minimal I hardly notice it as I've removed it before. However, I feel its a good investment if you enjoy the rougher roads IMO. Sure its said to mask issues but you should be inspecting your vehicle regularly any how. In the past 6 years it hasn't stumped this mechanic if there is something loose in the steering I can still tell while driving.
 

xterror04

Site sponsor
Founding Member
Location
Carlisle, Iowa
I'll sell you a bilstein one, I took it off because I'm using a grassroots centerlinks and bandit bushings,, so my steering is plenty tight... I always really liked it though a lot of people will tell you how it masks steering problems but to tell you the truth I think it's what made my stocks steering system last so much longer
 

Xterraforce

<img src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u7/ra
Founding Member
Location
Signal Mtn., TN
The main purpose is exactly what Silver dude pointed out. Steering dampers are designed to take some of the shock out of hard hits off road. It's really just a shock absorber and that's what it does. When your tire hits a rock or hole or whatever hard enough that it forces the wheel to turn, the steering damper, or stabilizer as they're often called absorbs and slows the shock load. This is good for you since the steering wheel doesn't suddenly try to jerk out of your hand. It's also good for things like your steering gear box and pitman arm because they don't have to take such a hard hit. Keep in mind as you move up to bigger tires you add more weight and leverage that the steering system has to attempt to control so a damper becomes more useful.

I don't have one on my Xterra and can't say I've thought about adding one, but that doesn't mean I never will. My last two 4x4s had them. The only downsides I can think of are as mentioned earlier, they will mask other problems. If your tie rods for example become worn enough to cause "shimmy" a good damper will usually keep you from ever feeling it unless it gets very,very bad. Anything loose in the steering beyond the center link will be masked because the damper will provide resistance as you turn, making your steering system feel nice and tight. The only other that comes to mind is that running a very strong damper or multiple dampers can increase steering effort but that's really more of an issue on older rigs with manual steering.
 
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Jack Stilts

Skid Plates
Location
Michigan
Hmmm. Interesting points.

I do have the Total Chaos kit that has yet to be installed. I know that will really beef up my steering, so will this become unnecessary? I still like the idea of it, regardless of beefy steering.
 

caseycamby

Suspension Lift
Location
Marion, NC
Anyone have any experience with this? Pros? Cons? Waste of money? Only a few people here are running them and no one talks about the potential good / bad.

I have no plans (read - never) to replace the IFS with a SAS.

I'm glad you asked this, man. I've been wondering the exact same.

Also, good info, guys. Definitely something to ponder ;)
 

Xterraforce

<img src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u7/ra
Founding Member
Location
Signal Mtn., TN
Hmmm. Interesting points.

I do have the Total Chaos kit that has yet to be installed. I know that will really beef up my steering, so will this become unnecessary? I still like the idea of it, regardless of beefy steering.

You would still have the benefit of reducing impacts transmitted through the steering wheel. It may not be necessary, but as long as you occasionally inspect your front steering and suspension to make sure everything is in good shape there's certainly no draw back to installing one. I say if you want to install one, go for it.
 

Jack Stilts

Skid Plates
Location
Michigan
That's what I'm thinking. I just don't know if it will work with the TC kit instead of the stock centerlink. I'd like to be the guinea pig and find out.

Luke, PM incoming.
 
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