Took alook underneath to recon about pulling the ancient steering dampener out to put in a nice beefy aftermarket one i have.
The stock unit's piston rod end where it bolts into the steering link rod (the long one) under the oil pan looks to have a good 3-4 " clearance to the pan.
The aftermarket one comes with a new stud and when its mounted the clearance is definitely reduced to bout 2-1/2 to 3" nut to pan.

I am concerned about up and down movement and if I hit a big bump or deep hole that the new dampener's stud /nut would dent, gouge or otherwise put a hole in the oil pan. Do this rod have that kinda up down flex travel ?

Do I need to be concerned about this clearance?

 

Step 1: take off old steering stabilizer
Step 2: throw old steering stablilizer in the trash
Step 3: sell new steering stabilizer on craigslist
step 4: enjoy being able to track down a loose component in your steering when a problem arises

 

The steering stabilizer isn't really NEEDED.

 

I'm well aware of the fact that some people replace these to, in their minds, "solve" a steering or vibration problem.
However my front end is solid, the old stabilizer is now rusting to bits.

With the dirt roads I live on and wildly changing weather in CO mtns
The XJ gets its share of unruly conditions.
I have read that the stabilizer/dampener reduces vibration on the steering gear box.
Reading your posts I question why they are installed at the factory then ?

Regardless, does this part of the rod travel up and down at all ?

.

 

No more takers on this one??

 

Yes it travels up and down. Half the distance as your passenger tire. If your passenger tire goes up 4" before bumpstop, the center of the drag link will go up 2".

They install them from the factory because people don't service their rigs as much as they should. So a stabilizer will actually make a loose tie rod end less noticeable and increase the length of time before you need to replace a worn tie rod end.

 

Thanks for that info and the very interesting manufacturer 'logic'.