Ranch RS7MT steering stabilizer issues

[dharward]

Config: 2020 Gladiate Sport S with Max Tow stock rims and HT tires so everything is still very stock.

The max tow spec has the wider axels and the suspension plus and it’s been hard to find exact specs.

I purchased and installed a set of Rancho 5000X series shocks and found them to be a little too soft. So I moved the 5000x shocks to my wife’s wrangler (was just the fronts that I did at the time) since they are compatible. And I installed a set of RS7MTs all around on my Gladistot and I found that the slightly stiffer shock is actually smoother with the longer wheel base. The 5000 series shocks would sometimes
Still be bouncing from the previous bump when I wouldn’t another bump on the road and it felt too shake in my opinion.

As part of the original set I had purchased the 5000x series front steering damper because I was also having issues with an occasional death wobble. My alignment was out and Trent of balance and I think that caused the damper to wear out. When I moved to the rs7mt shocks I also moved to the rs7mt steering damper to match but now that I am on a gas charged steering damper, my steering is pulling to the right. I know my alignment was straight before changing the damper but this damper is stronger.

I called Rancho and they said that it would take a little time for it to break in and should even out. I have driven almost 200 miles since the replacement. I found that the fox gas charged damper has a break in process so I followed that doing a full turn to each side and holding for 5 seconds and repeating that process 10 times. I don’t notice a difference after. Still pulling to the right and I have to steer at about the 11 o clock position to keep it straight on the interstate.

has anyone had any experience with the gas charged steering dampers? Can this be adjusted? Do I just need to move back to a neutral damper that is not charged? I can’t imagine anyone would actually want a charged damper if it’s always going to pull to the right.

It has been a challenge getting accurate info on the max tow config because many of the parts suppliers say it’s the same as the base sport but the stock front shocks I had matched the replacement shock measurements for a 2” lift. But rear shocks match the normal base shock. Rancho says that the steering dampers that is supposed to fit mine is the RS77405 not the RS77420 the rs77405 does not fit on my axel as that is the dual damper config and I don’t have the connections to fit that damper.

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[CrazyCooter]

The problem you have created is that the RS7000 damper is an IFP (internal floating piston) design. While this is awesome in a steering stabilizer application because it has zero lag time, the nature of the pressure inside of the shock makes the rod naturally extend pushing on your steering linkage.

On a JL/JT application, the damper is fixed mounted on the right side of the tie rod naturally pushing your tie rod/tires to the right. This is great in countries where you drive in the left lane, but not so much here?

I personally use it as a tool to correct the right pull the "road crown" induces on vehicles that are not caster offset adjustable like TJ, JK JL/JT, Ram, etc........ On a stabilizer with a schrader valve, the pressure can be tailored to a particular vehicle for the amount if correction desired.

You can buy a simple kit from Synergy https://www.polyperformance.com/syn...07-03&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21720181088 to relocate the damper to a fixed right/tie rod left position and that will create a left pull bias which you will probably find the vehicle pretty much driving strait other than in the left lane. This also high mounts the unit for better protection than the low hanging stock location.

This is why a "through shaft IFP" damper is always the best choice IMO because the pressure on both ends if the damper rod is equal therefore no pull induced!

 

[dharward]

Thank you this is very helpful but also exactly what I was expecting after reading a few other brands with similar issues but not a clear answer on the final outcome.

 

[Hootbro]

I ran into the same issue on my 2022 JT with a Bilstein steering damper that was positive gas charged. Even after 500 miles, it still pulled right.

While not "Gucci Gear" certified, I did wind up putting on a Monroe Steering damper that was a two chamber displacing valve design that offered excellent performance and better than the OEM.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082TJ13GF

I do agree with @CrazyCooter that a "through shaft" is the best design if you want to spend that extra coin.

 

[Pismo61]

I have had a Jk and JL with the Bilstien gas charged SS and neither pulled to the right or left.That said some here have had their Jeep pull.Both Jeeps had small lifts , 32s on the JK and 33s on the JL.If all you did is add the SS and then it pulls,that is likely the issue.

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