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?

 

Give us the info on your truck. Does it have a track bar?

 

My info is in my signature. Track bar? I don't think so, just twin i-beam and the steering bars connected to tie rods like any other vehicle.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

I've had the ball joints replaced recently, tie rods still feel tight every time I check. Should I replace them anyways?

 

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..

 

I can steer fine, it's the driving over bumps at highway speeds.

 

Have you got a lift on it? Has it been to an alignment shop lately?

 

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

 

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.

 

True stabilizer will help I have one on my truck, but it has 6" lift, without lift stabilizer would not be necessary

 

So you're saying at stock height, it's a waste of money?


I don't have friends.

 

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.