Straight Axle

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Jan 5, 2012 | 02:06 PM

56fordguy

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Cross-Country

Joined: Sep 2011

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Straight Axle

I was wondering has anyone used a steering stabalizer on their straight axle is it worth the money .Just wondering

Jan 5, 2012 | 02:12 PM

yamagrant

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Joined: Jun 2011

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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba

They are nice to have for road jars, especialy up here in winnipeg. I plan on putting one on my 56. I put one on a K5 Blazer I had years ago and It made a difference. For what they're worth I think it would be a good investment.

Jan 5, 2012 | 03:03 PM

56fordguy

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thanks for your info i think i will put one on also i have a 56 250 i am just starting to buy my steering parts i know i put one on my gmc jimmy many years ago and it helped.

Jan 6, 2012 | 02:07 PM

petemcl

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Joined: Nov 2011

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From: Northville, MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by 56fordguy

I was wondering has anyone used a steering stabalizer on their straight axle is it worth the money .Just wondering

I'm assuming that your truck is a 2WD? Steering stabilizers are used to eliminate a shudder condition that occurs after hitting potholes, crossing railroad tracks particularly those that cross the road at a diagonal, bumps, etc. usually at speeds above 40 mph. This usually occurs on 4x4s with big wheels and tires where they are a must. It also usually develops after 20-40K miles after the suspension joints start to wear. I'm not sure that a 2WD with a straight axle and stock wheels and tires would experience the problem. Perhaps if it was a 1 ton or up with larger wheels?

In short in MHO if you are not experiencing the problem on a 2WD 250 I would not waste your money. If you are having the problem I think I would be checking suspension joints, springs, steering box, frame cracks particularly near the steering box mount, shocks, etc. Installing the steering stabilizer might mask a bigger problem.

Jan 6, 2012 | 03:11 PM

underthebridgejim

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Joined: Dec 2006

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From: paradise, northern calif.

I have one on my 50 F1 with stock axel, and i have never had any kind of shutter or wobbel asocieated with pot holes ( only when i had a defective, off balance brake drum ). But I have have rebuilt My steering system. I remember the old volkswagon bugs, would get a horrible wobbel that would force you to come to a stop, when the stabelizer wore out.

Last edited by underthebridgejim; Jan 6, 2012 at 03:15 PM. Reason: Added brake drum, as pos. cause