Steering Stabilizer yes/no?

[Conrad Moses]

Hi Land Cruiser Team - I’m considering adding a steering stabilizer to my 1978 FJ40 and would appreciate insights from those who’ve considered, applied and can share feedback/advice. My FJ is, for the most part, stable up to 45 MPH. Beyond that cornering and general stability and tracking gets a bit more sporting. I’ve consulted with 2 mechanics who were not big on the idea of adding a stabilizer. Reasons given were 1) you’re adding more moving parts that can break 2) “you won’t feel the difference” - they don’t work. I know my tires and alignment are good and plan to do a deeper dive into all aspects that impact steering stability. However, I have to believe that, “if they don’t work” why are there so many products on the market? I plan to keep shopping for a mechanic who can get me to “yes” with confidence - but am not sure if my expectation exceeds reality. What say you who’ve been there/done that - Is the juice worth the squeeze? Thanks

 

[pb4ugo]

Are you trying to mask a problem? It sounds like we need to take a deeper dive into the alignment and suspension. Maybe some pics. Is it lifted? What's the condition of the steering components? Bushings? Ubolts, bearings, tre's and such. Has the knuckles been serviced lately? And most importantly what's the caster angle? A stabilizer will take some of the shock out of a bump but it won't correct bad steering geometry and worn parts. You should be able to cruise at highway speeds with no problems.

 

[igotta40]

Is the factory stabilizer worn out or missing?

 

[cruisermatt]

Lets see some pictures of your current wheels, tires, steering and suspension. These did come with a steering stabiliser originally but they are just a fluid filled damper designed to absorb some shock from impacts like potholes/bumps. Your 40 should drive tstraight with one hand on the steering wheel up to 75-80mph at least, if it doesn't then something is wrong.

 

[pbgbottle]

I ran a stabilizer for years before I dialed in my steering SOA and Highsteer in my situation. They worked for me , we all ran one years ago. They looked cool Haha.
Now that I fixed up everything one doesn’t fit that great on my setup and I have run without for 15 years. Rancho stabilizer worked. I couldn’t even get past 30 mph without it. Tossed one on and could drive fine. But I don’t think I went past 55-60.