Upgrading

[Srambler83]

Hi again fellow keepers.

Have a question. Currently have a 83 cj8. Upgrading tie rod and drag link, tie rod and drag links ends, adjustments, clamps etc.

Do I need a dampener? If so where does it go? Is there a kit where I can purchase all in one?

Need your experience on getting back on the updated and right way. Please forward pictures of how you have it set up.

Mostly street driven. Thanks

 

[Srambler83]

Jeepers...

 

[93_Fummins]

In my experience, a steering damper is generally installed to "mask" an issue with alignment, worn bushings, or steering linkage sloppiness. So, in general, I would say no you do not "need" a damper. Theoretically, if the alignment is good, tires well balanced and round, spring bushings are healthy, the tie rods healthy, and the steering box tight, there should be no reason to necessitate a damper. If you think you "need" a damper, there is generally something in that list that needs attention.

 

[Srambler83]

Thank you Fummins so no damper will be used, thanks for clarifying.

Do you have a picture that i can look at?

Sounds pretty straight forward.
- drag link and both ends
- tie rod and both ends
- adjustment with clamps

Like the beefier look, any brand recommendations?

Anything else anyone sees I am missing. Any recommendations welcomed.

 

[Spieg]

A steering stabilizer will do little to nothing to affect/improve steering or handling in typical driving circumstances. They were introduced as a "safety" precaution. The idea being that if you encounter a sudden/strong force to the steering (like hitting a big curb at speed), the stabilizer would slow down the steering reaction. and make it less likely to jerk the wheel out of your hand. Their value is debatable, but plenty of CJs were built without them prior to their introduction (whatever year that started).

 

[tower210]

I just bought and installed the rugged ridge heavy duty kit. I really liked the quality for the price. It appears to not use “off the shelf” TREs; but they don’t appear to be too expensive from rugged ridge...

 

[tower210]

 

[Srambler83]

Tower210 thank you. Do you run a damper with your rugged ridge set up you just installed.

Going also with the rugged ridge HD.

Can I ask where you purchased it from and do you have and item number?

Thank you

 

[tower210]

Negative on the damper......

Bought on amazon.

 

[tower210]

 

[ag4ever]

This is what came on mine:



I assume it is stock sine one end mounts on the leaf spring pad. When I get done building it I plan to reinstall or install a new one. Can’t see it really hurting anything and can see it dampening the steering in rough conditions.

 

[Srambler83]

Thank you tower210 👍🏻 And thank you ag4ever

 

[Srambler83]

thanks guys, installed.

Now can I add a steering stabilizer to this?

 

[ag4ever]

Stock one mounts to the other side. No reason you can’t add one to either side if you have the space and build the mounting tabs.

 

[tower210]

Does it need one? I don’t have one and it steers great

 

[Srambler83]

Tower210,

Well just throwing it around and wondering what ppl think. Would like to have one but also not doing anything extreme.

I need to get alighnment this week. But definitely have slack and have done quiet a bit to eliminate steering slack. I might just do the alignment first then see what happens.

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

Currently have the 4.5” lift with 35” new tie rod and drag link kit etc.