Steering Stabilizer

[David]

I have a '94 XLT 2WD and was getting ready to
change the shocks and was considering changing the steering stabilizer, but there is one problem I can't find it. Do all Explorers have one or am I just not looking in the right spot or at the right thing.
Thanks for anyone's assistance.

 

[kvo]

The Steering Stabilizer is an aftermarket item.

 

[The Godfather]

I'd get one if I were you. For $45 you get a more controled ride and sometimes it makes the shake go away. Total instalation time was 10 min.

 

[S.Matsushige]

David-I have a '91XLT which is nearly identical to your '94. I've installed a Rancho steering stabilizer nearly four years ago. I recommend it highly. You'll have better steering control as well as longer lasting steering components. I also installed Rancho RS5000s all around. I like the firm controlled ride the Rancho products provided. For the money its a good value. The shocks ran me $36 each and the stabilizer another $54. These are prices way out here in the middle of the Pacific, so you might be able to find a better price where you are. Another shock by Rancho you might want to consider is Rancho"s RSX self adjusting which runs about $60 each in Jeg"s mail order. www.jegs.com 800.345.4545.

 

[RonB]

When I upgraded my shocks a few months ago, I also asked the Firestone tech to install a steering stabilizer on my 94'EB. He took one look under the front and said, "where??". They would have had to drill the front end to install it. But it really wasn't needed. I put on the Monroe Sensatrac's on the front and rear and it was enough for me. The ride was much better. So for now, no steering stabilizer. If you get them installed please tell me what they did to put them on. Firestone isn't into modifying your vehicle as they feel if there is a problem afterward, they may be liable.

 

[kvo]

Ron -

The Firestone tech you talked to was wrong about the steering stabilizer. My Heckerthorn steering stabilizer (purchased from JC Whitney) installed in less than 30 minutes without any drilling. Everything is bolted on. You can check them out on the web at www.jcwhitney.com. Someone on this board also said that the Rancho also was a bolt on unit, no drilling.

It makes a world of difference after having it installed. I could e-mail a picture of my installed unit if you guys want to see how it looks. The boot comes with the unit is yellow so I had to buy a red one to match my boots on the Rancho 9000 shocks.

[This message has been edited by kvo (edited 09-24-1999).]

 

[S.Matsushige]

KVO-I installed my Rancho Steering stabilizer about four years ago as I mentioned earlier. I did have to drill into one of the crossmembers to mount a bracket. I'm not sure if the new ones mount with no drilling. It took me about half an hour to drill and install. I'm not sure how the JC Whitney stabilizer mounts, but I feel secure knowing that it won't slip being bolted to the carrage. But either way I agree with you that having it does make a world of difference in the handling characteristics and its well worth the extra time and money to have one.

 

[KyleC]

Does anyone know where I can get the Monroe Stabilizer?? I saw it at Monroe's website ( www.monroe.com ) and it would match the Sensa-tracs I just put on my '93 XLT. I have looked and looked for stabilizers in general and all I can seem to find is the Rancho ones. I have nothing against Rancho but I would rather have something else.