Jeep Blog - Steering Stabilizer Install on a Sprungover CJ...Questions

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Steering Stabilizer Install on a Sprungover CJ...Questions

By:	disok1
Mood:	other
Date:	08/27/2008 01:24:40
Music:	Playing in the garage as I write this

Okay, I just picked up a Trailmaster Dual Steering Stabilizer from Quadratec Trailmaster Steering Stabilizer

The plan is to help correct my CJ's tendency to wander around the interstate like a boat upon the ocean when hitting speeds of around 60-65 mph. If I hit an overpass it's 200'-400' before the Jeep settles down. If you've ever driven a soft sprungover Jeep with no stabilizer and no sway links I think you'll know what I mean. Most people wouldn't drive a Jeep like this 350 miles on the interstate like I plan to in October so I need to do some fixin. I want the CJ to remain trailready so I thought first I'll try a stabilizer (I know that's the first thing done to motorcycles for better handling and control at higher speeds) so why not a CJ? Basically one in the same..right;) I want to ride faster and safer and still not be held back offroad. So here's the deal.

What the crap do I bolt it too? I've got a u-bolt style clamp with a flat bar adapter that I can bolt to the axle...that I should be able to work out...I'm just not sure what side of the part I bolt to the axle to put the metal plate...I'm guessing to put it on the inside that way it's pushing against the part bolted to the axle when it takes a bump instead of all the force being put on the metal plate if bolted to the outside.

So check out the way I've got the u-bolt clamp assembled in this shot. Its facing opposite the way it will be installed with the ubolt ends pointing toward the front of the Jeep and the metal plate on the driver side of the Jeep.

Can I use the extra mounts I've got down here on the frame for anything? I don't know if the previous owner relocated the track bar during the lift or what...all I know is it looks like a good place to make the stabilizer work?? Any suggestions? The bar you see bolted to the frame rail goes straight to the steering assembly and looks like it just helps hold it in place. I'm not sure what it's called. I don't know what the bracket bolted onto the frame was for.

I've got 2 L looking clamps...one side of the L has one hole..one side has 4...it says these are supposed to go over the tie rod ends....ha good luck I say. 1. bolts don't line up...the ones in my tie rods are to large and spaced to far apart...and given the flipped config of the suspension...I don't think the normal install directions apply

Any ideas or advice will be appreciated....I'm kinda beating my head against the wall because I didn't pick up a suspension modification handbook.

MEMBERS COMMENTS

VIEWING 1 - 6 OUT OF 6 COMMENTS

From: RenegadeT

08/28/2008 01:37:32

If this link works, you can see my stabilizer, that might help you.

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4239203& postcount=1

From: RenegadeT

08/28/2008 01:29:46

I see your pics now, I don't see what your stuck on, you have a stock axle, tie rod looks stock (and bent), its in the stock position. Wrap the U-bolt around the axle, bolt the plate to the front side. Put the L-brkts on the tie rod loosely. Pull out the shocks halfway, bolt one end to the axle side brkt, the other end mounts on the tie rod side. Rotate the stuff on the tie rod so it looks like it won't hit anything, tighten everything up. Have someone turn the steering from lock-lock and make sure the shocks and brackets dont hit anything (usually its the draglink that rubs). Fine tune the position from there.

IIRC, the directions on mine told me to mount the axle end on the drivers side of the axle tube and the steering side on the draglink, near the centerof the Jeep. I had some rubbing and couldnt turn all the way. I ended up putting the axle end in the center of the Jeep and the steering side on the tie rod, drivers side.

BTW the tie rod is the one that goes all the way across from steering knuckl to steering knuckle, drag link goes from pitman arm to pass. side knuckle.

From: disok1

08/27/2008 18:43:17

Yeah...I think you're right...what you said about sandwiching the "L" brackets on the tie rod end makes sense and would work...if mine wasn't down under the axle that is.

From: RenegadeT

08/27/2008 17:42:58

OK, I see how the L-brkts are supposed to work. With a single stabilizer, you use 2 U-bolts to mount the L-brkt to the tie-rod. With your dual stabilizer kit, you're supposed to sandwich the tie rod with the L-brkts, then use 4 bolts/nuts to clamp them on. As you found out, the hole spacing on the L-brkts is too small for your aftermarket tie rod.

I have an axle truss, so i had to mount my stabilizer reverse from how the instructions tell you, I think. I put the axle end (Large U-bolt) right next to the pumpkin, then my custom-made-by-me L-brkt with 2 larger Ubolts mounted on my HD tierod out near the drivers side tire.

I'm SUA so I was able to kind off follow the intent of the kit. You're SOA, so unless you can re-engineer it, you're fawked good luck.

From: disok1

08/27/2008 15:09:56

10.4 RenegadeT

I've already got an upgraded steering box bracket. Originally the CJ didn't have power steering on it, or it was out 1980 CJ7. The previous owner added a new steering box, box brace, and it is nothing if not solidly mounted.

Oh concerning the u-bolts...the u-bolt goes around the axle...the "L" brackets are what mounts to the tie rod ends...just to make sure we're both clear.

From: RenegadeT

08/27/2008 14:40:30

where to start...

The extra stud on your spring plates are where the factory sway bar bolted to.

The thing bolted to the bottom passenger side frame rail and wraps around the steering box is an aftermarket steering box brace. They are very helpful in preventing wander...keep it on. I took mine out for a test without it and was amazed.

One thing you could add, for around $100, you can get an aftermarket steering box bracket to replace the flimsy factory sheet metal pieces. http://www.4wd.c om/productdetails.aspx?partID=14598

Now, you're gonna need new brackets to mount around your tie-rods sice they are larger diameter than stock, and you'll need larger U-bolts to wrap around the tie rods. I made one (I didnt get the dual stab. kit) at work.

Zoom out a little, lets see what you're working on. Being SOA, you're gonna have to custom fit some parts.