Slowly replacing suspension parts on a recently acquired 05 LJ. Picked up a Monroe steering stabilizer to replace the factory one and now I'm noticing that the PO has installed a second steering stabilizer between the axle and tie rod. Appears to be some sort of Rough Country product that was spray painted black. Anyway, I can't find any record of this being done by anyone on this forum (or anywhere at all actually). So is this thing functional or beneficial at all or should I just trash it, install the Monroe replacement at the factory position and be done with it? Thanks
Extra steering stabilizer?
- Thread starter sampson20
- Start date
The previous owner was clueless and incorrectly assumed if one is good two must be better. Run just the new Monroe you bought and remove the second damper on the bottom. The second damper just forces the power steering pump to have to work harder than it was does for. In hot conditions that could be the difference between the power steering system overheating or not.
Hopefully that wasn't added to help hide another problem like Death Wobbble. If it was, it's not a fix, it's just a temporary way to hide it.
Luckily, it doesn't look like it's new so maybe the PO just thought it was cool or was inspired by Mrhp.
Luckily, it doesn't look like it's new so maybe the PO just thought it was cool or was inspired by Mrhp.
Misguided is a good description, clueless is another. For those who erroneously think a new or stronger damper is the cure for DW.
A properly set up suspension with the correct geometry shouldn't need one stabilizer, however there is benefit to having one
It does, isolating the steering system from the jolts and impacts encountered while driving. More correctly called a steering damper.
Jerry, as a tradesman and owner of a company that employs tradespeople, I see this type of approach too much ....volumes of knowledge...but incorrect. The sad part of it is it limits learning...the guy that is certain the stabilizer is the answer never goes further to learn the real cause . He's so sure he's got the answer and checks that box.
The basic problem with that mindset is it doesn't solve problems or help people, and it also limits careers and earnings.
There has been this 2 stabilizer setup since the day after a 1 stabilizer setup was made. And the companies love to push poor info onto folks that don't work on vehicles all the time. It was a big fad in the 80's to have all sorts of dumb 
bolted on to your truck or Jeep. In general, if the machine didn't need it when new then it shouldn't need it now. Just go through and do a good dry steering test to make sure everything else in the steering is tight and secure.
bolted on to your truck or Jeep. In general, if the machine didn't need it when new then it shouldn't need it now. Just go through and do a good dry steering test to make sure everything else in the steering is tight and secure.I had to replace leaking power steering hoses right after I bought it. Possibly related to this unnecessary damper? Anyway, I will remove it and see how it goes. Thanks
Will do, thanksThere has been this 2 stabilizer setup since the day after a 1 stabilizer setup was made. And the companies love to push poor info onto folks that don't work on vehicles all the time. It was a big fad in the 80's to have all sorts of dumb
Andy, how many guys do you hire on don't know how to use a tape measure and pound down the rivet on the hook so it's not "loose" anymore?
Well if I suspect they don't have much experience they're going to be on the demolition crew to start with.... I don't do a lot of hiring.... I've got 10 people that have been with me for years and years. Everybody knows what's going on and how far to take their work and where the other guy can pick it up... Each one is specialized more in one area than others.
But does it go perfectly? Absolutely not... The biggest challenge that we deal with is variation...all the different designs and layouts and materials in all the different houses like training a trades person about a one to two year project... Every now and then somebody comes along that just gets it almost instantly... They're usually a candidate for owning their own business.
My goal with that type person is to create a situation where I can pay enough money that it's not worth it to go out on their own
America has been so busy filling the corner office we forgot to teach anybody how to build it.
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