Bilstein Install
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Trailering
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
Bilstein Install
After dealing with the stock Ranchos on my 2011 f250 superduty cc sb diesel Lariat for 7000 miles and a vibration at highway speeds [70+] I upgraded to Bilstein 5100s all the way around with a 5100 steering stabilizer. Now the truck rides great but pulls to the left. The guys at Shockwarehouse say you should get a front end alignment after any new suspension install. I have had many trucks over the years and never had this happen before after a shock and stabilizer install. I would really like to know what you guys think. Thanks in advance.
Steeley11
Steeley11
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,326
Likes: 18
From: Gilbert
I don't expect that you'd need an alignment after replacing shocks.
Mine pulls slightly to the left after dropping in a Bilstein 7100 but I've got too much nitrogen in it. I just need to crawl under and let some out. I haven't heard of this occurring with the 5100 as it's not adjustable. I'd probably rotate the tires for starters, then an alignment afterwards if that doesn't alleviate it. I'm assuming it's doing it on all roads and not ones with a crown in the lane that would cause it to wander, correct?
Mine pulls slightly to the left after dropping in a Bilstein 7100 but I've got too much nitrogen in it. I just need to crawl under and let some out. I haven't heard of this occurring with the 5100 as it's not adjustable. I'd probably rotate the tires for starters, then an alignment afterwards if that doesn't alleviate it. I'm assuming it's doing it on all roads and not ones with a crown in the lane that would cause it to wander, correct?
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Trailering
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
Yeah, thats right silver bullet, at first I thought it was the road I was on but it did it from Pittsburgh all the way to the east coast. I'm gonna do what you said when I get back. just seems really strange, never had anything like this happen before. Thanks for the input.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 26,065
Likes: 4,145
From: Near Cal. Avenue
X2 on the stabilizer slightly off. Also check to make sure the spring and its contacting parts are in the right position. Did you tighten up the top after putting the weight back on the tires?
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,326
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From: Gilbert
I'm not understanding your post. The stabilizer can only go on one way and there is no spring involved.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 812
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From: Mad River Valley
That stabilizer should 'break in' from what I read on a thread on a Jeep forum site or the Diesel Stop, I forget where.
How bad is the pulling?
How bad is the pulling?
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Elder User
Joined: May 2008
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From: SW Idaho
I have a 4x4 and I think you don't so your mounting could be differiant. The single stablizer didnt work well for me. (truck still pulled very slightly and wandered slightly). I removed the OEM stablizer and brackets. The duel version worked better for me.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 812
Likes: 3
From: Mad River Valley
I installed the stabilizer today.
I haven't noticed any pulling at all. I went down a couple of roads where the front end didn't seem right in the past, and the stabilizer definitely settled down the truck. So far I am impressed.
Also, this stabilizer is definitely bigger than the stock pos.
I haven't noticed any pulling at all. I went down a couple of roads where the front end didn't seem right in the past, and the stabilizer definitely settled down the truck. So far I am impressed.
Also, this stabilizer is definitely bigger than the stock pos.
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Trailering
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
Update on my truck pulling left after Bilstein install. Let the truck sit for a couple of days on vacation then went on a little cruise down the coast and the left front caliper hung up. First it felt like I was driving into a strong headwind, then it pulled to the left real hard and my mileage dropped down to 9. Then it started to rain real hard and it broke free. Needless to say I took it to the local Ford dealership the next day and they said the front brake anchor clips were corroded causing the pads to stick. Also the left front caliper pistons were hung up. They replaced a rubber seal, the left front caliper, the front pads and clips and checked the alignment, all covered under warranty. Had me out the door and on my way in less than 3 hours. Way to go Khloe at Chapman Ford. Fixed me up a long way from home. Truck drives better now than when I got it. No more pull to the left. Nothing to do with the stabilizer. Nice to know you can drop into a Ford dealer anywhere and get your ride squared away. Just don't know what caused it. Anyhow I'm very relieved its fixed and can enjoy the rest of my vacation.