Fox ATS Stabilizer

[pvn.jt24]

Driving the JT around a lot more, I do notice that the steering isn’t… solid I should say.

We hit some head and cross winds and it definitely felt as though the steering stabilizer wasn’t really doing its job. Very squishy.

For those who are running these, what pros and cons do you guys have?

I’m most likely going to pull the trigger on one, but would like to see some real world experiences with these.

Also, why this vs others such as the Bilstein 5100 and Teraflex Falcon 2.2 Nexus?

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[Badunit]

I installed a Falcon 2.1 about a year ago. Nearly all crosswind-induced and passing-semi-induced steering went away. The downside was reduced steering feel and reduced return-to-center. The 2.1 is not adjustable. Maybe an adjustable one would let you dial in a better compromise.

Continuing on with the whole story, you may or may not have any issues with feel and return-to-center. It was my experience but I found that my steering gear was binding and was contributing to those same two problems. I loosened it up and things got better but still not great Until I get a new gear I won't know.

Some people report that the Bilstein stabilizer causes a pull to one side. It is pressurized in one direction vs being a through-shaft design.

 

[DanW]

Driving the JT around a lot more, I do notice that the steering isn’t… solid I should say.

We hit some head and cross winds and it definitely felt as though the steering stabilizer wasn’t really doing its job. Very squishy.

For those who are running these, what pros and cons do you guys have?

I’m most likely going to pull the trigger on one, but would like to see some real world experiences with these.

Also, why this vs others such as the Bilstein 5100 and Teraflex Falcon 2.2 Nexus?

I have the Fox with 24 adjustments on my JLUR. It is fantastic. The only downside is that the adjustment screw has frozen solid. The good news is that it is frozen on the setting that is just right.

Damned thing was expensive, though.

 

[pvn.jt24]

I have the Fox with 24 adjustments on my JLUR. It is fantastic. The only downside is that the adjustment screw has frozen solid. The good news is that it is frozen on the setting that is just right.

Damned thing was expensive, though.

I think I saw your post about the frozen adjustment on another thread. NR4x4 has it for $364.99 right now so that’s why I picked it up to replace the OE stabilizer.

How did it get stuck? Grit and grime?

 

[pvn.jt24]

I installed a Falcon 2.1 about a year ago. Nearly all crosswind-induced and passing-semi-induced steering went away. The downside was reduced steering feel and reduced return-to-center. The 2.1 is not adjustable. Maybe an adjustable one would let you dial in a better compromise.

Continuing on with the whole story, you may or may not have any issues with feel and return-to-center. It was my experience but I found that my steering gear was binding and was contributing to those same two problems. I loosened it up and things got better but still not great Until I get a new gear I won't know.

Some people report that the Bilstein stabilizer causes a pull to one side. It is pressurized in one direction vs being a through-shaft design.

I was also debating this and the King Shocks stabilizer. Since King Shocks state that they have a balanced piston that acts like a through-shaft design.

 

[DanW]

I think I saw your post about the frozen adjustment on another thread. NR4x4 has it for $364.99 right now so that’s why I picked it up to replace the OE stabilizer.

How did it get stuck? Grit and grime?

I honestly don't know for sure, but I would imagine that is it. It has been through a lot over the last few years, including 2 trips to Moab. I haven't done a huge number of water crossings, but there have been a few.

You might consider a mount kit to move it up high. That would certainly reduce submersion and would probably shield it a bit from splash, as well.

It's the best steering stabilizer I've had, though. I'd buy one again if needed. I think it is re-buildable, too. I might soak the heck out of that adjustment with some PB blaster to free it up. I have not put too much force on it because I don't want to break it, especially since it is set at the right spot for my Jeep.

That's a good price, btw!

 

[pvn.jt24]

I honestly don't know for sure, but I would imagine that is it. It has been through a lot over the last few years, including 2 trips to Moab. I haven't done a huge number of water crossings, but there have been a few.

You might consider a mount kit to move it up high. That would certainly reduce submersion and would probably shield it a bit from splash, as well.

It's the best steering stabilizer I've had, though. I'd buy one again if needed. I think it is re-buildable, too. I might soak the heck out of that adjustment with some PB blaster to free it up. I have not put too much force on it because I don't want to break it, especially since it is set at the right spot for my Jeep.

That's a good price, btw!

I also saw those higher mount options. Is it based on the diameter of the tie rod? Seems like the stock one is 1.25.

 

[Minty JL]

Zero Con's all Pros

 

[professorkx]

I have the Fox with 24 adjustments on my JLUR. It is fantastic. The only downside is that the adjustment screw has frozen solid. The good news is that it is frozen on the setting that is just right.

Damned thing was expensive, though.

My screw froze in place as well, and since it uses a flat blade screwdriver, it’s hard to get any leverage. My solution was to remove the unit from my jeep, drill out a 3/8” nut just a little so it would fit over the screw, and then weld the nut to the screw. Between the heat, som lunricating oil and a 9/16 wrench with very small back and forth movements, the screw would finally turn 360 degrees and works again.

when I reinstalled, I pointed the screw at the axle this time so it gets limited road debris…

 

[pvn.jt24]

My screw froze in place as well, and since it uses a flat blade screwdriver, it’s hard to get any leverage. My solution was to remove the unit from my jeep, drill out a 3/8” nut just a little so it would fit over the screw, and then weld the nut to the screw. Between the heat, som lunricating oil and a 9/16 wrench with very small back and forth movements, the screw would finally turn 360 degrees and works again.

when I reinstalled, I pointed the screw at the axle this time so it gets limited road debris…

Is that the position they tell you to point towards in the instructions?

 

[professorkx]

Is that the position they tell you to point towards in the instructions?

No idea, I just don’t want a stuck screw again. The adjustment screw is in the end of the shaft, so the body stays in the same position with the little cylinder on top. It seems to work the same, so can’t imagine that it matters.

this one is on my 4 door but the Gladiator will get one when I start making mods when I get home the end of March, and the adjustment screw will be facing the axle.

 

[CrazyCooter]

I run one on my truck and I don't see any down side other than the cost.

I would also recommend NOT getting the JT version. You can get the JK version with the correct dia clamp and mount it behind/top of the tie rod instead of under like a rock magnet!

 

[professorkx]

I run one on my truck and I don't see any down side other than the cost.

I would also recommend NOT getting the JT version. You can get the JK version with the correct dia clamp and mount it behind/top of the tie rod instead of under like a rock magnet!

I just looked at pictures of the difference. JT mount not good. I have my 4 door unit, so I’m going to noodle a better mount before making a purchase selection.

 

[pvn.jt24]

I run one on my truck and I don't see any down side other than the cost.

I would also recommend NOT getting the JT version. You can get the JK version with the correct dia clamp and mount it behind/top of the tie rod instead of under like a rock magnet!

Ah great. The purchase has been made already, lol.

Don’t they sell the clamps separately?

 

[CrazyCooter]

Ah great. The purchase has been made already, lol.

Don’t they sell the clamps separately?

Yes you can get the clamp, but you also need the track bar stud to go with it. Then you would need to loosen and rotate the mount on the shock body. I did this with my own truck after really NOT liking that low mount........I figured out the easy way since then.

I commend people for trying to do things themselves, but this is the value you get when an experienced builder is involved..........

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