So I noticed some wobbling in my (2014 JK 4-dr) steering at certain speeds, and when I started poking around I found that the sleeve had come out of the steering damper bearing (see pic). Can I just take it apart and press the sleeve back in (plus replace the fastener, of course) or should I not trust it after this? Interestingly, I checked to see what a spare would cost and Quadratec says that this damper with the same part number is for the JL only. This was installed by the previous owner, but why would it matter whether it goes on a JL or JK? Incorrect damping "weight?"

Also, if anyone knows the part number of that threaded stud I would appreciate it. Thanks for the help!

 

A JL/JT stabilizer is a little longer than a JK. As long as it's centered, it's fine. From your picture, it looks like an adjustable clamp-style end on the track bar. The Fox 2.0 JL stabilizer throw is 7.45". So as long as you have about 3 3/4" of the shaft showing when the wheels are centered, it's in the ballpark. You can have someone steer the wheels limit to limit to make sure there is no bind, but since you are dealing with a longer-throw stabilizer, you should be OK.

You can just push that sleeve back in. As long as it's snug it's fine.

You can find those stud bolts online. Just double-check what's on the back side of the trackbar bracket. It should be a captive nut of some sort, but I don't know if the previous owner used the OEM captive nut. It will be gray with a tab welded on to it. Might want to take it to a hardware store and check the thread size and pitch just to make sure whatever stud you use will be the same.

 

That's great news, thanks! Much better to have a stabilizer that's too long than one that's too short!

 

I'm going to bypass the original question and focus on this first sentence right here. if you have any feedback in your steering, it is not due to this stabilizer or lack of bushing/bolt or whatever. You can drive without a stabilizer all day long with no negative feedback. The stabilizer would actually help conceal the wobbling a bit, but is not a cause of it. I'm not suggesting it doesn't need fixed, but i am suggesting you likely have a bigger issue and need to inspect things a bit more. I would completely remove the SS for the moment and get busy finding the real gremlin. My 2c.