Joined: Jun 09, 2011 Posts: 776 Location: Bellmore, NY
Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 1:54 pm Post subject: So, how much is it sacrilige....
to put a steering stabilizer on my M38A1? I have all new steering linkage, but it still seems to be all over the road. And, if I do put a stabilizer on there, is there one that doesn't have a big, obnoxious red boot?
Joined: Feb 28, 2011 Posts: 148 Location: Escondido, CA
Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 2:09 pm Post subject:
Not so much "sacrilege" as it is a Band-Aid for problems elsewhere in the steering system. The correct kingpin bearing pre-load adds damping, as does the steering knuckle seal drag. Information on this page http://www.film.queensu.ca/cj3b/Tech/Steering.html is a good start for evaluating the health of your entire steering system, which doesn't end with the linkage.
A stabilizer can actually damage your steering linkage by bending the tie rod tube to which it is attached. _________________ Jim M.
1952 M38 son-father project
Discovering more worn out parts, one assembly at a time
Joined: Jun 09, 2011 Posts: 776 Location: Bellmore, NY
Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 2:16 pm Post subject:
Well, I actually had a local shop that specializes in older Jeeps but in new Kingpin and wheel bearing, a new bell crank, steering gear box, leaf springs, shocks, tires, rims, and tie rod ends. The truck still has a bit of wander on the road.
If you don't have a lot of time behind the wheel of 50 year old manual steering trucks then that wander is most likely normal. Power steering that so many are born and raised with is internally balanced hydraulicly and takes this minor wander or as it is often called hunting out of the equation. With manual steering it will always chase the dips, ridges and tilts of the road surface.
The steering stabilzer is nothing more then a standard gas shock absorber. It's not designed to eliminate wander/hunt. It's sole purpose is to offer shock protection from the road wheels when they suddenly are shoved left or right by terrain. It also by nature increases the steering effort you must exert in turns. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
Joined: Jun 09, 2011 Posts: 776 Location: Bellmore, NY
Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 7:37 am Post subject:
Thanks Wes. It is just minor wander, no more death wobble or massive steering play in the gearbox.
This month, I should get the full winter enclosure, the in cab heater, and the turn signal upgrade in my M38A1. I'll post pictures when it's all done.
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