Steering stabilizer on a r&p front end?

[TimberwolfZ28]

Think there's much need for steering stabilizer on a rack and pinion front end? I have a center load rack unit, and got to wondering if, when I mount this thing, should I fab up some stabilizer mounts and put one on there?

[Nicksan]

No, its no use in the dirt for several reasons. Toss it out.

[TimberwolfZ28]

[takotruckin]

i would run one. i think jowlz found a pro comp one that should work, check through his thread.
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Member of the baja's that don't run club, for now!!

[Nicksan]

[TimberwolfZ28]

[dr. awsome]

I might just be ignorant but why exactly do you want to pull the stabilizer off?
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is it time to get out of the dirt and switch to the street?

[TimberwolfZ28]

[dr. awsome]

I understand that. I was just stealing the thread and asking why you don't want one with a stock VW box. Sorry for being a jerk with the hyjack
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is it time to get out of the dirt and switch to the street?

[bajaherbie]

try the popeye the sailor method, eat a can of spinach before your drive....
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[jps1145]

The trouble with a R/P center mount or end mount is there is no place really to bolt a damper to. You'll need to custom fab some sort of bracket that clamps to a tie rod or is welded to the rack itself. I think, after using my newly equiped Baja, a damper is a MUST! Especially if you don't have power steering. I haven't really seen anyone fab something for an after market R/P yet. I'm sure it has been done.
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Tehachapi, CA
'69 Baja
Vintage Funco single seater
My Baja

[Nicksan]

Another thing is that I would hate to put a clamp on my nice, new, shiny aluminum tie rods.......
But will probably have to, I have considered this and it doesnt look to hard to do.

[ThingOw181]

I would definitely run a dampener. I have the "inexpensive" center load HD rack on my Thing, and with the quickness of the rack you get a ton of feedback through the wheel. Note that in adding the R&P and linkpin front end everything was set so there is only 1/8" toe change at full droop and none at full compression. (so minimal bumpsteer)

I picked up a Bilstein dampener from a motorhome off ebay for $15. I will try and find the part number, but it is a pin end on one side and an eyelet on the other. A clamp-on mount for the eyelet side is available through prowlers (SACO I believe) that was another $20. On the pin side, I welded a tab to my pan head and used the rubber bushings from a pin top shock. It made a giant difference in feel up until I flipped the car. I will be keeping the stabilizer now that it's being fixed.

Hope that helps.

Jordan

[HamburgerBrad]

if there is no ear on your rack to mount a damper, you could always clamp it to the tie rod using u-bolts and create a mount on the beam for the other side
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OGST | CU05 | OGJHC
1970 baja|1953 oval

Wanted: two beat up, ugly, curb rashed 6" phone dial wheels

[SHMO]

If there is ANY steering arrangement that can benefit from a stabilizer, its a rack and pinion. Like ThingOw181 said, they transmit a ton of steering feedback. On the down side, they will make the wheel even more difficult to turn. I think most of you with fast ratio R&P's know what I am getting at. Actually a combination of that spinach and a stabilizer might be best...lol

SHMO
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SHMO's Baja

[takotruckin]

close to same topic, what dampner should i use with a stock box? one of the street ones, or is there some off road version?
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Member of the baja's that don't run club, for now!!

[HamburgerBrad]

[SHMO]

Just keep in mind, a stronger one will make the steering effort a little harder.

SHMO
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SHMO's Baja