Steering Stabilizer Benefits?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: North GA
Steering Stabilizer Benefits?
Okay I had read a few threads on here about upgrading the stock steering stabilizer. I always assumed my truck had a factory one, however when changing the oil the other day I realized it doesn't have one at all!I thought they all came with one, but apparently not. Will I see any benefits adding a stabilizer to a relatively stock truck? It does have 285/75/16 tires, but the rest of the suspension is stock. It doesn't seem to drive terribly rough for a truck of this size. Any input or ideas? Will it drive better or will I be better off spending my money elsewhere?
Thanks
Thanks
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 104
Likes: 7
From: Snohomish, WA
My 2000 did not come with one either. I finally got around to buying one, I bought the bracket and ubolts from partsguyed and ordered a bilstien 5100 stabilizer. I also bought new 5100 shocks at the same time, so I know the shocks helped too, but it really drives and steers nice. I am running 35's and I don't remember the truck ever driving as good as it does now!
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,887
Likes: 778
From: SoCal/Wyoming
Mine did not come with one either. I run dual stabs on mine but I have 37s so it helps keep them from kicking out real hard on rough roads or when I hit a large patch of water. Some say that they can hide some steering issues but I have not had an issue yet. Knock on wood. This article explains it better than I can:
Brake & Front End: The Complete Undercar Service Magazine
Many argue that once you go with 35s or larger, a steering stabilizer should be considered. Not sure how much benefit you get out of them with a stock set-up
Brake & Front End: The Complete Undercar Service Magazine
Many argue that once you go with 35s or larger, a steering stabilizer should be considered. Not sure how much benefit you get out of them with a stock set-up
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
From: Lower Mainland BC
Would install damper again.
Installed OEM ford damper on my stock suspension with Mich MS tires 2.5 years back. Small improvement on smooth asphalt. Experienced most improvement on rough pavements,gravel on paved roads being upgraded and uneven pavements. Easier to keep steering straight. Little gravel and no offload experience. I will replace the damper when its worn out.
9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
Here are two videos on the matter.
This one is from a member here, in the 2011+ forum:
Installing Rancho Steering Stabilizer & RS9000XL Shocks Ford Super Duty - YouTube
This one is mine:
Steering Stabilizer: What does it do and why - YouTube
This one is from a member here, in the 2011+ forum:
Installing Rancho Steering Stabilizer & RS9000XL Shocks Ford Super Duty - YouTube
This one is mine:
Steering Stabilizer: What does it do and why - YouTube
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: North GA
Here are two videos on the matter.
This one is from a member here, in the 2011+ forum:
Installing Rancho Steering Stabilizer & RS9000XL Shocks Ford Super Duty - YouTube
This one is mine:
Steering Stabilizer: What does it do and why - YouTube
This one is from a member here, in the 2011+ forum:
Installing Rancho Steering Stabilizer & RS9000XL Shocks Ford Super Duty - YouTube
This one is mine:
Steering Stabilizer: What does it do and why - YouTube
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 104
Likes: 7
From: Snohomish, WA
I don't have the part numbers, but I would check out the tousley ford site. You will find the bracket in the steering section and they call it a steering damper bracket. I couldn't find the ubolts on any of the ford sites, so I called them and they found them on their diagrams. I ended up buying the nuts and bolt and nut for the other end at the local hardware store. If no one else posts the part numbers I can look for my packing slip tomorrow if you still need it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,832
Likes: 668
From: Maine
FTR:
My truck went over 100k miles (OEM 265 tires) with no stabilizer, and I plow/tow with it, never had any issues.
However when I went with 35" tires... I added dual steering stabilizers. For peace of mind, if nothing else. I noticed no improvement in handling, however I added the stabilizers the same time as the tires, leveling kit, and stiffer springs.
My truck went over 100k miles (OEM 265 tires) with no stabilizer, and I plow/tow with it, never had any issues.
However when I went with 35" tires... I added dual steering stabilizers. For peace of mind, if nothing else. I noticed no improvement in handling, however I added the stabilizers the same time as the tires, leveling kit, and stiffer springs.
9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
Like Tom said you may or may not notice a difference. I have the same size tires (about) as you, and as seen in my video I experienced very little if any difference with/without the stabilizer. 35" seems to be the magic number for bump steer with these trucks.
When these tires are done I will bump up to 35" tires, and get some dual stabilizers to match as my OEM leaked at one point and has since stopped. Perhaps its out of oil. But if I am going to put a bright attention getting stabilizer down there, I dont want a single off set one. I think that looks weird. So the dual will be for aesthetics mostly. At least for me.
When these tires are done I will bump up to 35" tires, and get some dual stabilizers to match as my OEM leaked at one point and has since stopped. Perhaps its out of oil. But if I am going to put a bright attention getting stabilizer down there, I dont want a single off set one. I think that looks weird. So the dual will be for aesthetics mostly. At least for me.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: North GA
Thanks for all the advice. I managed to track down all of the OEM part #s for the bracket, u-bolts, etc... and when combined with the Bilstein 5100 stabilizer it looks like it is going to come out to almost $130. Is there any benefit, other than looks, for adding a duel stabilizer kit such as this one sold by TopGunCustomz? 99-04 Ford Super Duty F250/F350 Dual Steering Stabilizer Kit @Top Gun Customz. I like the look of the brackets with this kit, and at the point it's only $30 more, at least for the base kit. However, I don't plan on going with any bigger tires in the near future so maybe it would be pointless anyway.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,832
Likes: 668
From: Maine
IMO... it should work he same either way. I like the looks of the dual much better...and I would think that if one failed, the other would still work. I think I paid $90 for the Rough Country Dual Setup on Ebay from Rough Country.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bigb56
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
10
Dec 22, 2012 10:10 PM
