2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission steering stabilizer choices

[DLeno]

I am trying to correct a moderate (but not severe) bump steer situation, and to improve overall stability of my steering system. I'm about to install the DSS bracket to correct the dreaded wander, but am thinking also of replacing the OEM damper as well. I have 285/75 tires, no lift, on a 2002 ETH 4x4. I'm wondering if an aftermarket OEM replacement stabilizer would help accomplish my goals and, if so, which choices out there are the most respected. Has anyone done this? I was thinking about a Skyjacker OEM replacement unit, simply because their dual stabilizer system appears to be highly respected. But I am aware that there are other choices as well. comments? -Doug

 

[WOT]

I have a rancho stabilizer. It required re-using the mounting stud on the draglink, but no big deal. I ground the crimp that held the washer on and pulled the old stabilizer off, pushed on the rancho with the pretty new urethane bushing and welded the washer back on to hold the thing together.



I used to have some bigger tires before I got a 5th wheel and ended back up at the stock size. I almost thing the rancho is a little stiff for the stock tires as the steering doesn't return completely to center on it's own. I have had it on there about 40K and still as tight as the day I got it.

 

[peteweb]

I just put a rancho stabilizer on my truck with 285s and it seems to be working great. I broke the origional on a rock. I didnt have to weld or pry anything to get it go on, just unbolted the original and bolted the rancho on. easy

 

[Cooker]

The only suggestion I have is to make sure you put on a true steering stabilizer. Some cheaper companies and/or resellers will sell a shock for use as a steering stabilizer, there is a difference.

 

[DLeno]

thanks guys. I understand Skyjacker has an OEM replacement. Anyone use that one? Whatever is out there is probably either Gabriel or Monroe anyway. I appreciate the comments about stiffness too. BTW I checked things out up front and discovered that my new trackbar (replaced under warranty 1,500 miles ago. thats right, one thousand five hundred miles ago) is loose again.

 

[Todd G]

I put on a Gabriel two weeks ago. $21 from AutoZone. I used a 14" pipe wrench to get the OEM unit off. It seems to have cured the death-wobble I had.

 

[RedRam1]

When my wife ran into a hole and bent the stock stabilizer on my '01. 5, I stopped by 4Wheel Parts looking for an aftermarket part. Neither the Rancho nor the Skyjacker had the right tapered stud. I'm sure you could remove the original stud ,re-weld, etc. I was in a hurry, and ended up with a new OEM part for around 100 bucks.

 

[Cooker]

The few aftermarket stabilizers that I have seen do not use the tapered stud, but a tapered sleeve/insert instead.