'02 Stabilizer install
migojoe
03-21-2002, 06:28 PM
Which is better, the stabilizer kit from SLR or the one from Automotive Customizers?
I called SLR a few times today but nobody answered. Left a message and nobody returned my call. May there out wheelin?? :)
Does anyone know if I'll have to remove the '02 factory front skid plate to install either of the stabilizers? It looks like it.
I called SLR a few times today but nobody answered. Left a message and nobody returned my call. May there out wheelin?? :)
Does anyone know if I'll have to remove the '02 factory front skid plate to install either of the stabilizers? It looks like it.
FSRBIKER
03-21-2002, 06:56 PM
Check out the one I designed, it has twin gussets and braces on two sides of the frame and the centerlink bracket has a triple u-bolt design....all these features make the design unique and the strongest one on the market.
hbdesert
03-21-2002, 06:56 PM
I just put on the Rancho kit today on my 02. It fit fine. It took me about an hour from start to finish. We well see next weekend how it works out. Yes, you have to remove the front skid plate.
-Doug
-Doug
rrdstarr
03-21-2002, 07:09 PM
Your right Todd! I have the AC one on mine, but yours is a stronger unit all the way around! I helped Jens put his on and asked him who he got it from! Should have known it was EOE!!!!
superjens
03-21-2002, 09:28 PM
Todd, I got a question for you while we're on the topic. Is the shock body supposed to get bolted to the passenger side or the driver side? Or does it not make a difference ...
http://www.superjens.com/mods/Steering-Stabilizer2.jpg
http://www.superjens.com/mods/Steering-Stabilizer2.jpg
migojoe
03-22-2002, 12:00 AM
Todd, I like your design.... I'll be talking to you tomorrow.
Superjens, where did you get the tow hook?
Superjens, where did you get the tow hook?
superjens
03-22-2002, 12:04 AM
It's just your standard 3-hole tow hook, off the shelf at some 4x4 parts shop in Tacoma. One size fits all, I believe.
wqbang
03-22-2002, 09:05 AM
Three holed tow hooks available at just about any 4wd shop will fit using the stock bolts. Puting on the one on the drivers side is the harder one since there are no nuts welded into the frame on that side.
Dayspring
03-22-2002, 09:07 AM
Originally posted by superjens
Todd, I got a question for you while we're on the topic. Is the shock body supposed to get bolted to the passenger side or the driver side? Or does it not make a difference ...
The body is supposed to be mounted on the passenger side. That way the frame mount handles the weight (not that it's a whole lot).
Todd, I got a question for you while we're on the topic. Is the shock body supposed to get bolted to the passenger side or the driver side? Or does it not make a difference ...
The body is supposed to be mounted on the passenger side. That way the frame mount handles the weight (not that it's a whole lot).
FSRBIKER
03-22-2002, 10:59 AM
Originally posted by superjens
Todd, I got a question for you while we're on the topic. Is the shock body supposed to get bolted to the passenger side or the driver side? Or does it not make a difference ...
http://www.superjens.com/mods/Steering-Stabilizer2.jpg
The way you have it installed is the way I recommend...makes a bit of difference in the steering feel doesn't it.
Todd, I got a question for you while we're on the topic. Is the shock body supposed to get bolted to the passenger side or the driver side? Or does it not make a difference ...
http://www.superjens.com/mods/Steering-Stabilizer2.jpg
The way you have it installed is the way I recommend...makes a bit of difference in the steering feel doesn't it.
superjens
03-22-2002, 11:08 AM
I can definitely feel a difference in the steering, thanks again Todd for rushing the bracket out to me (any business who builds parts for rush orders on a Sunday night deserve all my support) :D
Toy4x4Guy
03-22-2002, 01:01 PM
Originally posted by superjens
I can definitely feel a difference in the steering, thanks again Todd for rushing the bracket out to me (any business who builds parts for rush orders on a Sunday night deserve all my support) :D
What kid of difference in steering? Firmer? Are you able to keep the stock skid plate after this is installed?
Thanks,
I can definitely feel a difference in the steering, thanks again Todd for rushing the bracket out to me (any business who builds parts for rush orders on a Sunday night deserve all my support) :D
What kid of difference in steering? Firmer? Are you able to keep the stock skid plate after this is installed?
Thanks,
FSRBIKER
03-22-2002, 02:44 PM
Originally posted by Toy4x4Guy
What kid of difference in steering? Firmer? Are you able to keep the stock skid plate after this is installed?
Thanks,
The steering will feel a bit firmer, but the big benefit is the reduced amount of drift and tracking with all the grooves and potholes in the road. If you hit a pothole the wheel will no longer feel like it wants to be jerked out of your hand, off road the benefits are the same but these type of things happen quite often so it really helps. The EOE kit will fit with the stock skidplates or the Skid Row skids...I'm sure the other kits will as well.
What kid of difference in steering? Firmer? Are you able to keep the stock skid plate after this is installed?
Thanks,
The steering will feel a bit firmer, but the big benefit is the reduced amount of drift and tracking with all the grooves and potholes in the road. If you hit a pothole the wheel will no longer feel like it wants to be jerked out of your hand, off road the benefits are the same but these type of things happen quite often so it really helps. The EOE kit will fit with the stock skidplates or the Skid Row skids...I'm sure the other kits will as well.
Toy4x4Guy
03-22-2002, 03:06 PM
Originally posted by FSRBIKER
The steering will feel a bit firmer, but the big benefit is the reduced amount of drift and tracking with all the grooves and potholes in the road. If you hit a pothole the wheel will no longer feel like it wants to be jerked out of your hand, off road the benefits are the same but these type of things happen quite often so it really helps. The EOE kit will fit with the stock skidplates or the Skid Row skids...I'm sure the other kits will as well.
That's what I'm looking for. One thing I have not been able to get used to in my new Xterra is the steering. The Tacoma I traded had rack and pinion steering. It's not as durable as the recirculating ball that the Xterra has, but it had quite a bit less of the "drifting" you describe.
How hard is this to install, and does the Rancho shock come with a boot? If so, can I specify a boot color?
Thanks for answering all my questions. I'll be ordering one of these from you soon.
The steering will feel a bit firmer, but the big benefit is the reduced amount of drift and tracking with all the grooves and potholes in the road. If you hit a pothole the wheel will no longer feel like it wants to be jerked out of your hand, off road the benefits are the same but these type of things happen quite often so it really helps. The EOE kit will fit with the stock skidplates or the Skid Row skids...I'm sure the other kits will as well.
That's what I'm looking for. One thing I have not been able to get used to in my new Xterra is the steering. The Tacoma I traded had rack and pinion steering. It's not as durable as the recirculating ball that the Xterra has, but it had quite a bit less of the "drifting" you describe.
How hard is this to install, and does the Rancho shock come with a boot? If so, can I specify a boot color?
Thanks for answering all my questions. I'll be ordering one of these from you soon.
FSRBIKER
03-22-2002, 03:28 PM
Originally posted by Toy4x4Guy
That's what I'm looking for. One thing I have not been able to get used to in my new Xterra is the steering. The Tacoma I traded had rack and pinion steering. It's not as durable as the recirculating ball that the Xterra has, but it had quite a bit less of the "drifting" you describe.
How hard is this to install, and does the Rancho shock come with a boot? If so, can I specify a boot color?
Thanks for answering all my questions. I'll be ordering one of these from you soon.
The install is not hard at all, maybe an hour for the whole thing with a few sockets/wrenches. The Rancho shock does come with a red boot, you can get replacement boots in various colors but unfortunately all their shocks come with the red boot standard. I am not sure if you really want to spend the money for a different color though since it is located behind the skidplate and will not be easily seen unless you are really looking for it. If you have any other questions just ask, more than glad to help.
That's what I'm looking for. One thing I have not been able to get used to in my new Xterra is the steering. The Tacoma I traded had rack and pinion steering. It's not as durable as the recirculating ball that the Xterra has, but it had quite a bit less of the "drifting" you describe.
How hard is this to install, and does the Rancho shock come with a boot? If so, can I specify a boot color?
Thanks for answering all my questions. I'll be ordering one of these from you soon.
The install is not hard at all, maybe an hour for the whole thing with a few sockets/wrenches. The Rancho shock does come with a red boot, you can get replacement boots in various colors but unfortunately all their shocks come with the red boot standard. I am not sure if you really want to spend the money for a different color though since it is located behind the skidplate and will not be easily seen unless you are really looking for it. If you have any other questions just ask, more than glad to help.
superjens
03-22-2002, 03:32 PM
How hard is this to install, and does the Rancho shock come with a boot? If so, can I specify a boot color
Easy to install. The boot that came with mine was red, but you can't even see it -- at least not with the stock skid plate back on. As you can see in the pics I didn't even put the boot on.
Easy to install. The boot that came with mine was red, but you can't even see it -- at least not with the stock skid plate back on. As you can see in the pics I didn't even put the boot on.
Toy4x4Guy
03-22-2002, 03:38 PM
Originally posted by superjens
Easy to install. The boot that came with mine was red, but you can't even see it -- at least not with the stock skid plate back on. As you can see in the pics I didn't even put the boot on.
That's true about it being hid by the skid plate, but I'd think the boot would have some "protective" features that might warrant it's installation. That's a common area of debate though, with one group saying the boot protects from debris, while the other saying it actually holds debris in. Personally I like boots. Mainly just for finished look.
I'm gonna get one of these and hopefully it'll help my "floaty" steering. This doesn't require an alignment or anything does it? It's been along time since I've fooled with recirc ball steering.
Easy to install. The boot that came with mine was red, but you can't even see it -- at least not with the stock skid plate back on. As you can see in the pics I didn't even put the boot on.
That's true about it being hid by the skid plate, but I'd think the boot would have some "protective" features that might warrant it's installation. That's a common area of debate though, with one group saying the boot protects from debris, while the other saying it actually holds debris in. Personally I like boots. Mainly just for finished look.
I'm gonna get one of these and hopefully it'll help my "floaty" steering. This doesn't require an alignment or anything does it? It's been along time since I've fooled with recirc ball steering.
FSRBIKER
03-22-2002, 03:59 PM
No alignment needed, just check to make sure the shock can extend/compress completely with someone else turning the wheel back and forth....other than that it's a one man real simple install.
Toy4x4Guy
03-22-2002, 05:21 PM
Originally posted by FSRBIKER
No alignment needed, just check to make sure the shock can extend/compress completely with someone else turning the wheel back and forth....other than that it's a one man real simple install.
Sweet. Does it change the amount of effort required to turn the steering wheel? Once I sell all my aftermarket parts from the Tacoma I'll be contacting you for this unit. I'd really like to have a yellow boot though. Any chance you can get one in for me? I'll pay the extra charge for it and you can keep the red one if you like.
No alignment needed, just check to make sure the shock can extend/compress completely with someone else turning the wheel back and forth....other than that it's a one man real simple install.
Sweet. Does it change the amount of effort required to turn the steering wheel? Once I sell all my aftermarket parts from the Tacoma I'll be contacting you for this unit. I'd really like to have a yellow boot though. Any chance you can get one in for me? I'll pay the extra charge for it and you can keep the red one if you like.
migojoe
03-22-2002, 07:16 PM
So you can put the factory skid plate back on after the instal?? Great!
Todd, It was a releif to here your comment:
"The steering will feel a bit firmer, but the big benefit is the reduced amount of drift and tracking with all the grooves and potholes in the road. If you hit a pothole the wheel will no longer feel like it wants to be jerked out of your hand"
I went back to the dealer with the same complaint and they said they couldnt reproduce it.
Todd, It was a releif to here your comment:
"The steering will feel a bit firmer, but the big benefit is the reduced amount of drift and tracking with all the grooves and potholes in the road. If you hit a pothole the wheel will no longer feel like it wants to be jerked out of your hand"
I went back to the dealer with the same complaint and they said they couldnt reproduce it.
Toy4x4Guy
03-22-2002, 07:20 PM
Originally posted by migojoe
So you can put the factory skid plate back on after the instal?? Great!
I went back to the dealer with the same complaint and they said they couldnt reproduce it.
That's hillarious. I took mine in 4 times to the dealer for this same problem, they also said they didn't find anything wrong with the steering. My first trip they found it slightly out of align. Second trip they straightened the steering wheel (it was crooked to the left). Third trip they could find nothing wrong. Fourth trip the service manager drove while I rode with him. He said to him it felt perfect, and said two separate techs checked the alignment and that it was right on.
I guess the Tacoma rack and pinion was a little stiffer or something and I just need to get used to the Xterra's recirculating ball steering. My 1991 Toyota 4x4 had recirc ball steering, but it came with a steering damper (aka shock) on it from the factory. Looks like the Xterra needs one.
I'll be ordering one soon.
So you can put the factory skid plate back on after the instal?? Great!
I went back to the dealer with the same complaint and they said they couldnt reproduce it.
That's hillarious. I took mine in 4 times to the dealer for this same problem, they also said they didn't find anything wrong with the steering. My first trip they found it slightly out of align. Second trip they straightened the steering wheel (it was crooked to the left). Third trip they could find nothing wrong. Fourth trip the service manager drove while I rode with him. He said to him it felt perfect, and said two separate techs checked the alignment and that it was right on.
I guess the Tacoma rack and pinion was a little stiffer or something and I just need to get used to the Xterra's recirculating ball steering. My 1991 Toyota 4x4 had recirc ball steering, but it came with a steering damper (aka shock) on it from the factory. Looks like the Xterra needs one.
I'll be ordering one soon.
xoc
03-22-2002, 07:27 PM
Rack and pinion steering will be much more responsive.
Don't expect Tacoma handling in the recirculating ball Xterra.
Don't expect Tacoma handling in the recirculating ball Xterra.
Toy4x4Guy
03-24-2002, 08:51 PM
Originally posted by FSRBIKER
Check out the one I designed, it has twin gussets and braces on two sides of the frame and the centerlink bracket has a triple u-bolt design....all these features make the design unique and the strongest one on the market.
One last question. Is there any drilling required to install your stabilizer, or is it just a straight "bolt on" application.
Thanks again,
Check out the one I designed, it has twin gussets and braces on two sides of the frame and the centerlink bracket has a triple u-bolt design....all these features make the design unique and the strongest one on the market.
One last question. Is there any drilling required to install your stabilizer, or is it just a straight "bolt on" application.
Thanks again,
FSRBIKER
03-24-2002, 09:46 PM
Originally posted by Toy4x4Guy
One last question. Is there any drilling required to install your stabilizer, or is it just a straight "bolt on" application.
Thanks again,
No drilling is required at all, everything just bolts on.
One last question. Is there any drilling required to install your stabilizer, or is it just a straight "bolt on" application.
Thanks again,
No drilling is required at all, everything just bolts on.
hattrik21
04-19-2002, 12:24 PM
I got my SS from 4x4parts.com. It came with a differant mounting bracket than all the rest I have seen. Here are some pics of my install.
http://home.attbi.com/~hattrik21/images/mods/installss.jpg
http://home.attbi.com/~hattrik21/images/mods/ssinstalled.jpg
http://home.attbi.com/~hattrik21/images/mods/installss.jpg
http://home.attbi.com/~hattrik21/images/mods/ssinstalled.jpg
Toy4x4Guy
04-19-2002, 01:18 PM
Does this change the force required to turn the steering wheel?
hattrik21
04-19-2002, 04:17 PM
It doesn't on mine.
Schludwiller
04-20-2002, 11:03 PM
Hmmm...looks like the reverse of everything I've seen. FYI when you change your oil filter it will leak oil all over that boot.
XXXTERRA
04-21-2002, 10:17 AM
hattrik21 did the instructions specifiy mounting that straight bracket to the driver side?
hattrik21
04-21-2002, 10:52 AM
Yeah it did. The bolts they sent me wouldn't fit through the other side (too short)and having an idler brace didn't help either. I noticed was was opposite of eveyones as well. I doesn't rub and seems to work fine. I'm not worried about the oil getting on the boot since its behind the skid plate anyway.
Kennedy
04-23-2002, 10:01 AM
That stupid boot will fill with mud and then ruin the seal on the shock. I removed mine after about 6 months of being on and it was full of mud.
My shock is toast, it has about 3-4 inches of play in and out. This is what the shock is supposed to absorb (bumpsteer).
I even tried to ensure that the boot "holes were aligned to allow proper drainage... Nope, shock ruined.
The boot serves no purpose other than asthetics in the location it resides, and you can't even see it with the stock or SR plates. Take it off, or replace the shock every summer.
Psst, and oils will drain all over it during oill changes and make that pretty red boot quite sexy once it's covered in brown oil.
Kennedy
My shock is toast, it has about 3-4 inches of play in and out. This is what the shock is supposed to absorb (bumpsteer).
I even tried to ensure that the boot "holes were aligned to allow proper drainage... Nope, shock ruined.
The boot serves no purpose other than asthetics in the location it resides, and you can't even see it with the stock or SR plates. Take it off, or replace the shock every summer.
Psst, and oils will drain all over it during oill changes and make that pretty red boot quite sexy once it's covered in brown oil.
Kennedy
SaberX
06-11-2002, 11:16 PM
Hey Todd, EOE makes great stuff for the Xterra.I have a few things from EOE on mine.The Idler arm brace,t-bars and soon steering shock.As soon so mi brackets come in.I got everything else even the rancho steering shock but the brackets.My parts guy said that EOE will ship them out to him soon.Still waiting on them.
I dont know if it is you that is looking after my order or not.
Do you recall looking after an order going to Eastern Edge Off-road in St Johns ,Newfoundland,Canada?
Is there a way you can check on it for me.
You can e-mail me at saber@roadrunner.nf.net
Thanks
Bill Wheeler
I dont know if it is you that is looking after my order or not.
Do you recall looking after an order going to Eastern Edge Off-road in St Johns ,Newfoundland,Canada?
Is there a way you can check on it for me.
You can e-mail me at saber@roadrunner.nf.net
Thanks
Bill Wheeler
Dayspring
06-12-2002, 12:23 PM
you might get better response by emailing him directly at sales@extreme4x4parts.com
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