Steering Stabilizer / Damper

[billygoats]

I am looking into installing a steering stabilizer on the car to help soften the jerky steering off road, and tighten my steering on-road. I have already replaced all balljoints, steering links, pitman arm, and idler arms. I have searched this forum and the net, and have only found a writeup on the Gen1. I am not even sure where to begin. I was hoping someone had figured what generic mounting kit could be adapted. I see plenty of kits that have the bracket that "U-bolts" to the steering rod, but the other end generic bracket u-bolts onto a solid axle - obviously wont work.

Anyone done this?

 

[rxinhed]

I installed a dampener on my Raider several years ago. For about 3 months, I drove with the Rancho unit. Upon removing the dampener, my spritely Raider returned. My driving at the time consisted of graded dirt roads, bumpy paved twisty roads and mass-grading jobs where I followed equipment around jobsites. I used both 31" and 33" all terrains and loved to drive the corners as fast as possible.

My impression of the road feel was lost with the dampener. I did not care for the off-paved road experience.

$0.02

Russell

 

[ca18_sean]

I am looking into installing a steering stabilizer on the car to help soften the jerky steering off road, and tighten my steering on-road. I have already replaced all balljoints, steering links, pitman arm, and idler arms. I have searched this forum and the net, and have only found a writeup on the Gen1. I am not even sure where to begin. I was hoping someone had figured what generic mounting kit could be adapted. I see plenty of kits that have the bracket that "U-bolts" to the steering rod, but the other end generic bracket u-bolts onto a solid axle - obviously wont work.

Anyone done this?

I installed a Moog SSD99 steering damper I got from Rock Auto. It was listed for a Montero, but I think the box said something else on it when I got it. Maybe a Ford truck? I can't remember.

It was a straightforward install and really helped tighten up it's on-road manners. I believe I used the 4x4wire 1st Gen install as a guide. I haven't used it for any true off-road travel yet, Florida "off-roading" is generally just sand/mud.

 

[ca18_sean]

My impression of the road feel was lost with the dampener.

I do have to agree with this, you loose do some of the feedback from the road. The steering definitely feels heavier after the damper install, but I like it.

 

[JamesW]

Some of the UK models came with one. Theres a thread on replacing it here. It has the dimensions in it too

http://www.pocuk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=139088&highlight=steering+damper

 

[shov3lbum]

There is a kit for the full size monteros which I used on my sport, it's a tight fit for the sport, but it works great!
This is the kit from Rancho. Stabilizer #RS5402 Kit #RS55080

Source: http://www.monterosportonline.net/?page_id=265
This is similar to what my setup looks like

Source: http://www.monterosportonline.net/?page_id=265

Works pretty well, noticed my aggressive tires stopped pulling my steering wheel all over the place over street edges and such, works well off-road if you hit an unexpected divit or stump, doesn't stop the steering, but gives you time to react before the wheel gets yanked out of your hand.

 

[billygoats]

thank you everyone for your help. I will be choosing between the moog or rancho kit!

 

[billygoats]

I installed a Moog SSD99 steering damper I got from Rock Auto. It was listed for a Montero, but I think the box said something else on it when I got it. Maybe a Ford truck? I can't remember.

It was a straightforward install and really helped tighten up it's on-road manners. I believe I used the 4x4wire 1st Gen install as a guide. I haven't used it for any true off-road travel yet, Florida "off-roading" is generally just sand/mud.

Just an update. I ordered this MOOG SSD99 Steering damper kit from Amazon. It was for a Jeep. The install kit included everything needed to install on my montero. It installs in 5 minutes! It takes more time to take on and off the skid plates!

On-road I really dont notice the difference. A month ago I changed all the balljoints, tie rod ends, pitman and idler arm joints, and that really firmed up the steering. I could see the damper firming up the steering if you have other worn components. I havent taken the car off-road yet, but will report back for the difference in feel! Thank again everyone for your help!

 

[earljuic3]

can this be done to the 2000+ models?

 

[plh]

I have a brand new in box Rancho kit that I would surely part with for a Gen 1 / 2 if you want to try it on your Gen 3.

 

[earljuic3]

I would be interested but I don't think it will work...will wait for a reply from a more experienced poster. Thanks!

 

[SONICMASD]

Just an update. I ordered this MOOG SSD99 Steering damper kit from Amazon. It was for a Jeep. The install kit included everything needed to install on my montero. It installs in 5 minutes! It takes more time to take on and off the skid plates!

On-road I really dont notice the difference. A month ago I changed all the balljoints, tie rod ends, pitman and idler arm joints, and that really firmed up the steering. I could see the damper firming up the steering if you have other worn components. I havent taken the car off-road yet, but will report back for the difference in feel! Thank again everyone for your help!

Hey billygoats,

Sorry to revive a dead thread but I think I'm facing a similar problem. My 98 has a front Detroit locker and pulls all over the place off road, especially in washes/riverbeds. Did your bump steering become a problem once you installed your Lokka in the front, or was it always there? Secondly, can you report on if the stabilizer made a difference?

 

[TheMole]

I got a Moog and it made a tiny difference on road, but as someone mentioned earlier you lose some steering feel. Never took it offroad so can't comment on that. I took mine off because I thought it caused too much steering effort. Also noticed one of my power steering return lines wet so didn't want to exert any more pressure on it. If you are ever in thev Los Angeles area you're welcome to pick it up. Not sure if it's worth shipping since you can get a new one on rockauto for around $50.

 

[ManfromSnowyRiver]

I tried one on a 1990 Montero to try and fix a death wobble.(turned out to be trailing arm bushings) It provided nearly 0 benefit with difficult steering. Off road it was a hazzard, hard to steer with a Detroit as well at the time. Ended up causing so many headaches that I laid down in the snow in Moab on Metal Masher and took it off.( I know, slick rock in snow not fun) I think they are beneficial to lose, old American from steering systems running 40"+ tires. I could be wrong, but that is what I think. For handling problems look at all front end parts and don't over look A arm bushings as well as rear trailing arm bushings. Skip the steering stabilizer.