Hi Everyone,

I have a stock ( as far as I know ) 1998 jeep Cherokee Classic with about 232,000 miles on it. I bought a Monroe SC2928 steering stabilizer to replace the one that is on my XJ right now. The Monroe came with a tapered bolt to go through the drag link but the current one installed uses an extended metal sleeve and a long bolt instead of the tapered bolt. The tapered bolt is too thick for the hole in my drag link and won't come through so I can put a nut on it. I called what is supposed to be the jeep experts in my area and they have no clue what I'm talking about. Can somebody please help me out?

 

Honestly you don't need to have one,A lot of us don't run one at all.

 

Although andrewmp6 is technically correct, I would not recommend running without a steering damper. They are there for a reason: to help counteract bump steer and to account for minor vibrations caused by inherent variances in parts and tolerances.

Photos of your predicament would be helpful. The bolt going through your drag link should indeed be tapered. I've got a '98 myself and it is a tapered bolt secured with a crown nut and cotter pin.

 

IMHO, people install new ones to mask death wobble symptoms because a shop told them they needed a new one. I don't run one either. Take yours off and go for a drive. If you feel you need it, put it on

 

I'm replacing it because I'm getting some vibes in the steering wheel going about 65-75 MPH. I took the old stabilizer off and it seems very easy to pull out and push back in. I do a decent amount of driving at 65 MPH otherwise I would leave it off Here's a picture of the old one next to the new one. The old one has an extended sleeve going through the bushing and a long bolt goes through that instead of a tapered bolt. I've gotten the new stabilizer swapped out at the auto parts store for another new one thinking maybe the tapered bolt in the box was the wrong one, but this one doesn't fit either.

 

Monroe SC2928 should be able to push the bolt through the hole easily.
Maybe your drag link is not original?

Did you verify that your track bar has no slop?
Have a friend steer lock to lock while you observe the track bar frame mount on the driver's side.

 

Thanks for your responses....the track bar appears to have no unusual wear or movement. How can I tell if it has an aftermarket drag link? I've also read on other threads about how some people have seen a tapered collar or sleeve that's pressed into the hole in their stock drag link to accommodate a certain steering stabilizer, but no mention of a brand of steering stabilizer. Also, I've inspected my drag link and do not see any kind of pressed fitting in the hole where the tapered bolt of the steering stabilizer would go.

 

Either your stabilizer bolt is too big, or the drag link hole is too small. I have the same stabilizer and it fit without issues, so I assume it's an issue with your drag link. Are you able to post photos or any measurements you can take?

 

It probably has the sleeve stuck in it and you just don't see it.

Take a punch and see if you can feel it.


Worst case, buy a new drag link.

Whatever the cause......the stabilizer will not effect 'vibes' at 60mph.

Ball joints or rod ends........or tires/balance.