steering stabilizer shock?
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 568
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From: Northern IL
steering stabilizer shock?
Hey guys, is there any possibility that adding a steering stabilizer(shock absorber basically) to the front end to help stop of the swerving I get when I go over bumps at highway speed? I've replaced the 4 shocks in August which helped but it still worries me that I still have issues going over bumps.
Rock Auto has a stabilizer bracket kit and stabilizer for a decent price so I might jump on that. Thoughts?
Rock Auto has a stabilizer bracket kit and stabilizer for a decent price so I might jump on that. Thoughts?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
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From: Ohio
Yes, Rancho makes a simple steering stablizer unit for the 2wd trucks. I just put one on my '89 F150 a month or so ago. Couple pieces clamp around the right frame rail and hangs down, the other clamps on tie rod. Very easy install. Got my at Summit Racing for about $50.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RAN-RS5402/
What shocks did you install?? What tires do you run?
I have Sensatracs on my truck and I'm not too happy with them. They came on it, but they are wayy too stiff in my opinion and actually make the truck a bit rough to keep going straight on the highway with any kind of bumps. Tends to throw the truck around instead of allowing suspension to work. Just my .02. I am in the market for a set of plain, stock type shocks.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RAN-RS5402/
What shocks did you install?? What tires do you run?
I have Sensatracs on my truck and I'm not too happy with them. They came on it, but they are wayy too stiff in my opinion and actually make the truck a bit rough to keep going straight on the highway with any kind of bumps. Tends to throw the truck around instead of allowing suspension to work. Just my .02. I am in the market for a set of plain, stock type shocks.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 568
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From: Northern IL
PO had 275X60X15 on it, so I've just kept the size. I have Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's, which are quite comfortable and soft. The shocks I have are Monroe Gas Magnum(the yellow ones), they're decent but not the best. They're slightly better than stock.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,728
Likes: 8
From: Cleveland, TN
The stabilizer "shock" won't cure worn/loose front end parts. Like worn ball joints or tie rod ends.
All it is supposed to do is keep the shock of bumps, ruts, and rough stuff like that from reaching your hands on the wheel. And maybe put a little less stress on the truck when in the rough stuff.
All it is supposed to do is keep the shock of bumps, ruts, and rough stuff like that from reaching your hands on the wheel. And maybe put a little less stress on the truck when in the rough stuff.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Northern IL
I've had the ball joints replaced recently, tie rods still feel tight every time I check. Should I replace them anyways?
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,728
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From: Cleveland, TN
Not if they are in good shape...
The point I was trying to make was, if you are having steering problems don't expect the stabilizer to cure that..
The point I was trying to make was, if you are having steering problems don't expect the stabilizer to cure that..
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New User
Joined: Dec 2011
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My bet is the radias arm bushings are worn. Have a friend get in the truck and power brake it in forward then reverse while you watch the bushings for movement. any play will cause all sorts of front end un-pleasantries. Very common to go bad on the coil spring ifs
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 6,804
Likes: 703
From: Tobyhanma, PA
I think he's mainly talking about bump-steer, not a deficiency in his truck.
Yes a steering stabilizer will help. The other guys are also throwing out great advice, make sure all your trucks bushings are in good shape as well.
Yes a steering stabilizer will help. The other guys are also throwing out great advice, make sure all your trucks bushings are in good shape as well.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 568
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From: Northern IL
So you're saying at stock height, it's a waste of money?
I don't have friends.
I don't have friends.
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
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Like the others have said check all the front suspension bushings like radius arm and axle pivot.
You may also have a worn steering box.
I don't think the steering stabilizer is a waste of money. I have one my truck. It helps some. I had the Rancho one on mine for years. When it had to be replaced, I got a Monroe since its black, looks tons better.
Oh, I do like the yellow Monroe gas magnum shocks. They are well made and ride alot better than RS5000 or RSX Rancho. I don't care for either of those.
You may also have a worn steering box.
I don't think the steering stabilizer is a waste of money. I have one my truck. It helps some. I had the Rancho one on mine for years. When it had to be replaced, I got a Monroe since its black, looks tons better.
Oh, I do like the yellow Monroe gas magnum shocks. They are well made and ride alot better than RS5000 or RSX Rancho. I don't care for either of those.