Hydraulic Steering Stabilizers

[lifetrddeath]

I'm curious about this. Does it replace the OEM anti-sway bar? I've heard when using larger tires (such as 35" in my case) a steering stabalizer is a good way to go. I've noticed Rancho makes a good model. Can anyone shed some light on this?

[Brian R.]

From what I understand, the stabilizer is like a shock absorber attached to your steering linkage. It prevents sudden side-to-side motion in your steering wheel caused by your front wheels getting suddenly turned by a rock or trees. If this motion is undamped by a steering stabilizer, it will cause the steering wheel to suddenly turn and loose control and maybe do you bodily harm.

The anti-sway bar is a torsion bar that prevents body lean by tieing the front wheels (or rear wheels) to each other vertically. Having the left and right wheels move independently of each other will cause the weight transfer in a turn to make the outer wheel take a higher load than the inner wheel. This compresses the outer wheel spring more than the inner wheel spring and the body rolls toward the outside of the turn. When the anti-roll bar ties them together, body roll is reduced because the anti-sway bar takes some of the load off the outer wheel and transfers the load to the inner wheel.

[lifetrddeath]

Okay then. Would, if not for only looks sake be a good idea to purchase a steering stabilizer?

Also, what about torque arms? For example, the Rancho torgque arm traction system. I know it looks good but what about the specs on what it does and if it's a good idea to get?

Brian? Anyone?

[Brian R.]

A steering stabilizer would be useful if you drive off-road on rocky roads or paths. Smooth surfaces, mud, gravel, don't need it.

[lifetrddeath]

True Brian, I may not NEED it, but it does look cool and wouldn't hurt anything by having one put on, right? And what about those Torque Arms? Don't they apply from the bottom of the frame to the rear leafs somehow? I know they look badass and if not for practical use, no harm in using them for looks right?

[lifetrddeath]

:bump: Brain?

[Brian R.]

None of that will hurt. Have at it...