How do I know when it's time to replace the steering stabilizer?

[Dmcinfo]

Just purchased my first blazer (71 4WD) two months ago and am looking for ways to improve the steering. My steering stabilizer looks so old that it's not obvious who the manufacturer is. How do I know when it's time to replace it?Already did a search. Thanks for any help with this question.
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[Blazed72]

You could take it off and see if its worn out. You should not be able to push or pull the shaft easily. How does it drive? A steering stabilizer is just a band-aid for other problems like worn out tie rod ends or bad bushings. They help if you have bump steer from having a lift and stock steering.

[Firebirdjones]

From my experience with a worn shock/stabalizer I found them wanting to follow the road more if one tire hits an irregularity. I especially noticed it in the rain when one front tire hits a water puddle. About that same time I noticed oil that started leaking from the shock.
A new shock dampened that affect and drove much nicer. Gas shock would be much harder to know unless you pulled it off like mentioned above.