Steering Some play in steering. Will a stabilizer help?

[Macca]

New to the forum
Finishing up on my first CJ rebuild from frame up. A 1977 CJ7 with a 4" suspension lift with spring under axle and another 1" body lift due to new shackles and with a 4" dropped pitman arm.
I am goin to put 34" tires soon. I have power steering and the steering shaft and box is tight with only 5600 original miles but i have some play in the steering between the linkage and steering shaft when moving steering wheel left or right. I looking for advise whether a steering stabilizer single or double help?

 

[CJ]

A stabilizer won't help with play. Infact it can exaggerate it by putting more friction into your steering system.
How much play do you have. What do all the ball joints and tie rod ends feel like. A common misconception is how to test ends and joints for wear is to just move them and see if they are tight. The correct way is to see if the ball can be compressed in the ball socket. The easiest way to do this is a big pair of plumbing pliers (commonly called Channel Locks) and try squeezing the joint from the nut side to the socket side.
Also, just because it's a new steering box I would snug up the gear mechanism. On the top of the box loosen up the lock nut and using an Allen wrench slightly tighten the adjuster then lock it back down.
I would still add a steering stabilizer to help with any bump steer you might have.
Have looked at our troubleshooting guide?

Thread 'Troubleshooting & Correcting your Steering'

Mar 13, 2010

When you're not satisfied with the steering in your Jeep, these are the steps you need to take to find & correct the problem(s).

Step 1 - find and correct any worn or damaged parts.

Begin with the rear suspension. Rear suspension issues can cause nearly as many steering problems as front suspension issues, although they're not usually as dramatic as front suspension issues.

Closely examine all four rear spring bushings and both sets of rear spring shackles for wear or looseness. If you have two-leaf shackles instead of single-u-bolt shackles, be sure the shackles don't lean...

• TDHofstetter
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[grimmjeeper]

I will agree that a stabilizer can hurt. It certainly won't help.

Tie rod ends and ball joints would be my next thing to check.

You could be dealing with what I'm working on. My spring bushings are beyond shot and the shackle is moving side to side. I also have a frame side shackle mount moving as well. I'm replacing everything, and welding my shackle mounts in place while I'm in there.

Finally, the steering gear mount plates could be moving. I upgraded to a Mountain Off Road steering box bracket and their brace that ties the box over to the passenger side frame.