How to tell if steering stabilizer is bad?

Any hints on how to tell if a steering stabilizer is bad? Since I am new to the 4x4 thing (other than the 78 Ford F-250 that my old man owned when I loved at home) The steering on my 98 feels softer than some of the other XJ's we looked at. When I did an oil change yesterday I noticed that there appears to be oil on the body of the stabilizer. Current it sits with 77k miles on it. Is it bad? What brand do you suggest? Stock suspension and no lift right now do to budget limitations.........

Thanks!
Travis

My 98's went at around 45,000mi, thin film of oil all over the area. Replaced it with a Rancho SS. Had it done, I could not get that tapered bolt out to save my life and when the shop got it out it shot across the shop like a bullet.

Thanks Rich..... I guess mine is also bad. :tear: