Hey guys... watching EpicCowlick's video on shocks and stabilizers has got me motivated to upgrade. I want to improve the ride quality, and remove steering feedback. The question I have is; is an alignment necessary when replacing/adding these parts? I'm not adding any lift or leveling. 4wheelparts says I will need it. What's the concensus? To align or just a cash grab attempt?

Also I'm planning on the Helwig Big Wig rear sway, procomp pro-runner dual stabilizers, and Bilstein 5100 shocks. Any recommendations for or against any of the parts is greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone.

 

Your not changing the steering geometry with the parts you mention so I say no...

 

I agree with smlford. If your alignment is good now it will be good after you install the parts you listed.


I have the procomp steering stabilizer on my trucks and I like them a lot.

 

GWCON... do you have the pro-runner(silver) or their white stabilizer shock?

 

No. The shocks are not parts that support weight or affect geometry (e.g. strut).

 

I have the white ones. They really helped tighten the steering and definately make the truck feel more stable. I do not have any lift or leveling kits installed.

 

Thanks for the input everyone...

 

I agree with what everyone posted. Just keep in mind that adding a dual stabilizier will also make your steering extremely firm. you will get use to it after a few days, but it will keep your wheels from returning to center. Also, make sure that you get one compatible with NO LIFT. Many on the market require at least a 2" level in order to fit without hitting other components. ProComp makes one that will work with zero lift.

Since your truck is stock, it may even make sense to try a single OEM replacement steering damper. it might provide the firmness you are looking for without getting too aggressive. Remember, Epic was trying to solve a wobble issue he encountered because of the caster he lost when leveling his truck and going with larger tires and a shock spacer. If you don't have the wobbling issue, then you don't really need a dual setup.

Regarding the Helwig, it will add a range of side to side stability depending on the setting you use. It is a great upgrade if you ruitinely carry anything heavy in the bed. Works better when Tall and Heavy items are in the bed. It's a pain to muscle in place by yourself, so be sure you have help. Oh, DROP THE SPARE TIRE to make the installation MUCH MUCH simpler. I get offended when people skip this suggestion........

Just my opinion though.

 

Mine are not to tight. I really like the way they make the steering feel. Easy install minus the u-bolt connectors.

 

thanks guys good info...

 

NO!

Most alignments are nothing but a scam to separate you from your money. Especially when some guy want to slap his LASER alignment machine on your rig with claims of increased HP and Torque and colder AC or a hotter heater if you are up north.

That said if you start replacing key components such as ball joints, track bars etc you may well need an alignment, but beware the LASER and its price tag, it cannot align your rig any better than you can in your driveway. Grab the specs from Ford, get a good tape measure and you there in a few min under the front of your rig. Solid front axles are an easy alignment, IFS not so much...

 

What suggestion? Who said that?

 

Keep it up and youll see what a Dana S130 can really do!

 

I'm still waiting to see specs on the front axle from some guy people ignore.

 

Its a Super 60. So I can't put the custom 12k lb bumper replacement on I was eyeing....crap

I can have the two way exchange at red lights now...
Guy next to me "Hey, is that a Dana S130 under there?"
My Response "You bout tuh find out!"

And then he stomps me off the line and beats me the full 1/4 mile..

Because it's a heavy a** axle.....and i can't go fast.....

Later that day, I pull his house down and drag it to that same light.....

There's a moral to this story........I think