Fox 2.0 steering stabilizer question?

[Tech Tim]

When trying to install fox stabilizer part #985-24-173 on my 2021 gladiator my stock stabilizer has a larger bushing on one side to accommodate the square bolt end that is used to secure it on the wheel side. The new shock does not have this larger bushing so it does not fit. Has anyone else had this issue. Fox says it fits but it clearly doesn’t. Thanks!

I just took a flap wheel to it and rounded most of the carriage shoulder off. Looks just like the alternate OEM bolt shown above.

@Motostew & @freebird_78, what is the build date on your door jam sticker?

What’s the part number of the bolt that is needed from the JL? I’m about to be in this boat I fear...

The older bolt is Mopar #6510774AA.

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[freebird_78]

@Motostew & @freebird_78, what is the build date on your door jam sticker?





The older bolt is Mopar #6510774AA.

Don't have the exact date, but it was built in March 21.

 

[Tech Tim]

The earliest Jeep with the new long, square shank bolt, we've found so far is the 1/21 .

 

[ryanlsmith]

Does anyone have a pic of the new one? Pretty sure I have the old style, but it's not clear what the new one actually looks like to confirm. 8/20 build date.

 

[Jimmij]

North ridge 4x4 is stating that if you are built after mid year 2021 you need to order a different bolt.

 

[CFLgladiator]

I just ordered the extra bolt just in case with mine.

 

[ryanlsmith]

I just ordered the extra bolt just in case with mine.

Thought about doing the same. It’s only a couple bucks. But this is also why I have way too many random spare parts.

 

[Tech Tim]

Does anyone have a pic of the new one? Pretty sure I have the old style, but it's not clear what the new one actually looks like to confirm. 8/20 build date.

Here is a short video we did on the issue:

 

[Minty JL]

Well at least this is an easy fix

 

[Radio Guy]

I'm still waiting for someone to reply to this.

What’s does it feel like after it is installed. ? Firmer less loose?

 

[gpwrang33]

why would they change this bolt? stronger setup? were they seeing issues with the old style? questions that may never be answered.

I have a 10/20 build date on my 21 ss max tow and i just ordered this steering stabilizer. good thing I found this thread before the install. Thanks guys for posting. I'll have to start watching some yuotube videos from Northridge DIY garage.

 

[bleda2002]

why would they change this bolt? stronger setup? were they seeing issues with the old style? questions that may never be answered.

I have a 10/20 build date on my 21 ss max tow and i just ordered this steering stabilizer. good thing I found this thread before the install. Thanks guys for posting. I'll have to start watching some yuotube videos from Northridge DIY garage.

I'm imagining it made assembly slightly faster as the carriage bolts short square section easily pushed up and spun as they were shoving it together. Seems like one of those 6sigma changes where they asked workers for a recommendation and someone said a longer square shank on the carriage bolt and it was like huh thats a no cost change.

 

[ShastaJT6]

I'm still waiting for someone to reply to this.

Ive been rolling with one for about 10k miles now. It immediately feels more "Trucky", as opposed to the loosey goosey go-kart feeling it had before. Im much happier with it.

That said, its been my experience that I have to fight the strut a little. The steering is not neutral, my wheel wants to pull a lil due to the strut. Ive read that the pass-through models or dual stabilizer models dont suffer from this. I have been considering replacing it with another version, but its low on the list of priorities, have other components I want to upgrade before I go about upgrading the upgrades.

That said, I am definitely happier with it than with the OEM one, and for a hundred bucks, its a quick and easy fix that will make highway driving much better and help with the wheel jerking during off-roading / tackling obstacles.

 

[Tech Tim]

why would they change this bolt? stronger setup? were they seeing issues with the old style? questions that may never be answered.

Its looks like the change was made so that the steering stabilizer could be only installed in one orientation.

 

[roth_nj]

Just ran into this problem… here’s the new bolt

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