[David Engbe]

I'd just like to share my latest project:

After getting the 37"-s on, I noticed quite a flighty feeling on highway, and had to adjust steeringwheel-movements all the time. Then got Rancho SS and replaced the original one. Made quite a difference, but not all the way in my opinion. So - what to do? Dual SS, that must do it!:crazyeyes:

I had OME on my TJ, and it was very reliable and of high quality. So, I got a OMESD11, actually made for LandRover (sorry to swear at church). It's sturdy and a bit harder and more resistant than the ones for Wrangler - in this case an advantage.
The Rancho was left at the original mounts, and I modified the Rancho lifted fitting for the driver's side. Then made a new fitting for the passenger side.

Just came back from a testdrive, and I'm very satisfied with the result!

Left: The modified Rancho fiitting, Right: The newly made fitting

The modified Rancho fitting at the driver's side.

The new fitting at the passenger side.

The OME SS in place.

The whole setup at a view!

 

[lbh]

I would check you tie rod ends etc,as the one should be more than enough in my opinion. Apparently the tie rod ends wear pretty quick on the JKs. Beside, the dual SS is only going to help "mask" the problem. Good luck, let us know the outcome. I run 37 with Beadlocks and have no issues at any speed.

 

[PhilD]

I would check you tie rod ends etc,as the one should be more than enough in my opinion. Apparently the tie rod ends wear pretty quick on the JKs. Beside, the dual SS is only going to help "mask" the problem. Good luck, let us know the outcome. I run 37 with Beadlocks and have no issues at any speed.

I think he's just trying to firm up the steering due to a low caster angle. But yes you are exactly right, if you getting wheel wobble then you need to address the problem rather than just cover it up.

I haven't seen it done on the JK and not even sure how easy it would be, but for firming up the steering feel, gas charged stabilizers opposing each other would most probably be very effective. I have one Fox dampener and it works very well.

 

[David Engbe]

Well, as the Jeep has only approx. 3,000 miles on it (which of 2,500 are onroad), I guess the tie-rod shouldn't have been worn-out quite yet. And they are checked and ok. Just two weeks ago a complete wheel-alignment was done at a proffesional shop, and all caster, camber and toe-in and all was corrected. IMHO I think one of the problems are that the wide tires (13,5") just don't fit the "tracks" in the highway and causes part of the problem. And - i never got a wobble, just an annoying flighty feeling...

This weekend I installed 1,25" spacers on the wheels, and the result is now even more satisfying.

So, I for one think the dual ss does its job pretty good! (On my Jeep!)

But then again, as we longtime Jeepers know; beacuse it works on one Jeep, doesn't mean it has to on another!

Thanks for your inputs anyway, guys - conversation's always good, as life is a neverending school!

 

[igofshn]

Nice bandaid. If your jeep is dialed in correctly, you should be able to run without a stabilizer. 2 is overkill. Just masking a problem until one wears out, then you will wee the problem again.

 

[mcnaught6]

what did they set caster at - if it is correct?

there is NO WAY you should NEED dual stabilizers with only 37" tires. you shouldn't even need dual stabilizers with 40" tires.

 

[David Engbe]

Well, as I said - my feeling is much better after this, and I guess that's what counts, right? I know I'm not the only one, and you are all entitled to your opinion, as I am mine.

Like I said, I never had a wobble or anything, just an annoying flighty feeling. Maybe not annoying for anyone else, but for me...

 

[Dustoff '68]

If it works for, that's what's important...good job...waiting myself for an OME stabilizer for the JK...ARB said they're coming, and that they're a drop-in, no mod fit.

 

[100dollarman]

David- Its a great idea if it works for you. I always get a kick out of the guys who say if you were set-up right you wouldnt need a stabilizer! That to me is BS. The factory uses a stabilizer- is THAT a bandaid? When we upgrade (or change) our suspension, big tires, etc., we sometimes need to 'upgrade' our steer stabilizer too. Those bigger tires put ALOT more leverage on everything.

I wish I lived in a perfect world where Jeeps with big tires dont need stabilzers!!!

Good job, David!

 

[David Engbe]

Thanks guys, nice with some positive feedback as well!

I've also been wondering about the "no-stabilizer-statements" that pops up on forums everywhere... I, for one, would never even consider running without it! Why would aftermarket manufactors even consider spending money and time on a product that is of no use?

But, as stated before, we're all different and entitled to our own opinion. But life has tought me one thing: Be humble and respectful...

BTW: Thanks for the beer, bro! It'll do me good, as I'm leaving for Euro Camp Jeep in Germany tomorrow morning!

 

[PhilD]

I've also been wondering about the "no-stabilizer-statements" that pops up on forums everywhere... I, for one, would never even consider running without it! Why would aftermarket manufactors even consider spending money and time on a product that is of no use?

You need a steering stabilizer, especially with oversize tires, to help reduce wandering/direction changes/etc from rough roads, potholes, etc. They also improve the life of ball joints, and are proven to be beneficial in the event of a front tire blow out. However, you shouldn't use a stabilizer to mask a steering problem. You should be able to drive down the road with no stabilizer without any wheel shimmy, vibration, shaking, etc.

 

[JC JK]

Man i like it and was in the makes of doing the same. Just makes you feel better because if you ever had the SHAKES it really SCARES the CRAP OUT OF YOU! You can be dead on and still hit something just right and ( SHAKE) is on.

 

[igofshn]

However, you shouldn't use a stabilizer to mask a steering problem. You should be able to drive down the road with no stabilizer without any wheel shimmy, vibration, shaking, etc.

That was my point about not needing a stabilizer.

 

[nam6869usmc]

Definitely just going down the road shouldn't need one, but dailing in everything exactly perfect is quite a task:bawling:......in the Rocks big help with all that shock.

 

[Dustoff '68]

Yeah...a perfectly smooth, level, FOD free, no dip, and nothing that would induce yaw, pitch, or roll kinda' road.

 

[mcnaught6]

i would never say you don't need one. but, you certainly would never need TWO for tires smaller than 42" if your steering, caster and other alignment are set up properly.