Steering stabilizer replacement (OEM)

[ek1]

Had some fun on a few blue trails at AOAA over the weekend....have a few questions.

NOTE: I have read 20+ threads about upgrading and relocating the steering stabilizer. I get the benefits of upgrading it and relocating it. With that being said, I bought a 7-year warranty from Mopar and my local dealership is a bunch of @ss clowns. The last thing I need it to come in for some random unrelated issue and be told that they can't fix it under warranty because my vehicle is "modified". Yes, I know I can fight them and yes I know I will win, but I'd rather spend this time and energy on trails than on the phone with Stellantis corporate. Frankly, I never had any issues with the stock stabilizer, so I'll just go for an OEM replacement.

Question 1: Is this mostly cosmetic or is the shock done? I do not feel any issues when driving on a highway (up to 80mph) or in the city. No wobble, no shimmy, etc. The shock does NOT not leak.

Question 2: The sticker on the stabilizer has a part # 68524064AA. On the internet the part number comes up as "OEM Mopar Steering Damper for 2018-2022 Jeep Wrangler". I have a '23 Rubicon 392. What is a correct part number?

Question 3: Do I need any special tools or procedures to do the replacement. I found 100+ videos on Youtube on how to upgrade the stabilizer, but none to just do a replacement. Do I just unbolt the old one and bolt in the new one?

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[Flip]

I didn't know a warranty would cover something like that. Ok

1. Only you can decide if the SS is done. If you feel your damaged SS is fine and want to keep using it, that's up to you. If you're asking would I change it? Yes, I believe I would. Especially if you are planning to go back on the trail. You could also bring a spare SS and the tools to change it out.

2. I would replace it with a better, aftermarket SS. I haven't priced an OEM SS but I'm guessing they are probably the same price or more than an aftermarket SS. I swapped out my OEM SS (in perfect working condition) I found it to be very weak.

3. You don't need any special tools to replace it. Its very easy.

Fyi, I believe most people will recommend relocating the SS. In your case, if you think you're going to damage it again, its probably a good idea to do so.

 

[jadmt]

Pull it off see if it goes through its full stroke…i bet it does. If it doesn’t then just replace with psrt number that was in it or an AEV bilstein one. They won’t deny any warranty for that other than for the part itself

 

[c20040215]

1. Cycle through the shaft and see if it is still smooth and consistent. If you noticed the damage by looking at it and not how it drives, chances are, it is still working fine.

2. There is no reason to spend money on it. You can get a slightly used OE part for free or very little money. If anything, I would relocate it up so the same thing does not happen again. I have been running the OE with 37s. The idea of higher resistance puzzles me. I could barely turn due to the larger tires, why would I add more resistance to my steering?

3. If you dont relocate it, you can watch one of those 100 videos on how they remove the factory one. Installation is just in reverse order. Pretty straight forward

 

[ek1]

Thank you, everyone - great info!

Just bought a used OEM one with less than 1K miles on eBay for under $43 shipped.

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