Steering stabilizer replacement...now turning radius issue?

[Dubv]

My old steering stabilizer needed replacing, and since it had only lasted a few years, I thought I would try a different brand, as it seemed like there were a wide range available at the various parts stores.  This time I got a Gabriel unit from AutoZone which was listed as an exact fit.  It did indeed fit, but oddly, it now seems that my steering radius is markedly dimished...but only turning one direction.   I would have thought if for some reason the damper was too short...it would shorten it turning both ways.  Anyone run into this before?  Obviously I could return it and get a different brand (probably the Monroe I got before)...but still odd.  Just curious.

[AMC of Houston]

I just checked the specs for both Gabriel and Monroe.  The Monroe is listed only for Eagle and Jeep apps; while the Gabriel unit is listed for a zillion different vehicles.   Checked the lengths:

Monroe:
Compressed Length 12.000 In.
Extended Length 19.500 In.
Travel Length 7.500 In.

Gabriel:
Extended Length in Inches 24.08
Collapsed Length in Inches 14.41
Stroke 9.67

So, the Gabriel runs out of compressed travel 2.4 inches sooner than the Monroe unit!!   That explains your issue when turning in the "collapsed" direction.

Better go get the Monroe unit.

[Dubv]

Wow, makes sense.  Thanks for the investigative effort!  Hopefully AutoZone will take the return.

Chris

[carnuck]

Someone cross referenced the wrong number

[AMC of Houston]

That number is starting to show up in electronic catalogs as fitting the Eagles!   Probably a Gabriel bean counter trying to expand the market by making it fit other cars on paper!    Look up that number on Rock Auto, and it shows the same unit fitting about a hundred other cars besides the Eagle!    Parts company bean counters annoy me!!

[carnuck]

The shocks were the same way. I bought 2wd AMC car ones which were longer than the Eagle had listed.

Napa lists the SC2928 but the other doesn't exist. They do have a crossover KYB SS10317 which looks like the same as it's also for '88 up GMs with ifs 4x4 and XJs.

Gabriel #6801SE and not 6804se (the wrong one currently listed for AMC Eagles).

[AMC of Houston]

I looked at the specs on the KYB; and its close to the Monroe where it counts.   The KYB's compressed length is a 1/4" longer than the Monroe, so it depends on how close to completely compressed it'll get on the Eagle.    May work tho.

[carnuck]

It's actually listed for the Eagle on Napa's site. The Gabriel number is a mistype on Rockauto's site.

[AMC of Houston]

I wonder if Gabriel knows (or cares!) that they have it wrong??   Also shows 6804 on Gabriel's own web site catalog.

[carnuck]

Probably someone goofed. I used to find stuff like that and report it. CSK got made because I was making more than my paycheck in corrections.