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which stabilizer

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Old Jun 14, 2003 | 07:40 PM
  #1  
WhëëlMå1's Avatar
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which stabilizer

I am about to finally put a steering stabilizer on my 96, but I dont know which one. I am going to buy some shocks from Rough Country (they made my level kit, and it blew my stock length shocks, so I want to know they will work). They also offer a stabilizer for my truck. Anyone run a rough country steering stabilizer? If not, what do you all run? Thanks


Rich
 
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Old Jun 15, 2003 | 01:28 AM
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which stabilizer

The reason your stock shocks "blew" was because they weren't long enough after the lift. I'm not saying you shouldn't get the Rough Country's, but it didn't have anything to do with the fact you weren't running RC shocks with a RC lift.

I had a stabilizer on my truck when I bought it. It was really banged up and looked nasty. I just went to the parts store and asked what they had in stock. They had a Rancho, so that's what I bought. Nice and pretty now. Turns out that's what the old one was, so I can't compare two different brands. I really don't think there's much of a difference though.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2003 | 08:53 AM
  #3  
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which stabilizer

Yes, I realize thats why the shocks went. I had been told that I could run the stockers with the level kit...guess not. I like to keep components the same manufacturer. I didnt think that there would be a big difference in stabilizers, just wanted to make sure. Did you install it yourself? They all appear to be simple bolt on units.


Rich
 
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Old Jun 15, 2003 | 01:02 PM
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which stabilizer

The stabilizer I have has a mounting plate that is bolted through the bottom of the crossmember (have to drill 3 holes) and the other mount just clamps on the tie rod. I'm not sure if they all bolt on the same way, but it should be pretty easy no matter how they bolt on. Just make sure your tires are pointed straight ahead, and the shock is in the middle of it's travel so you won't have any binding when turning to full lock either direction.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2003 | 08:32 PM
  #5  
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which stabilizer

Originally posted by mrwizard
and the shock is in the middle of it's travel so you won't have any binding when turning to full lock either direction.
How do I get the shock in the middle of its travel? Is that basically just saying make sure the truck is on level ground when I do it?


Rich
 
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Old Jun 16, 2003 | 09:20 PM
  #6  
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which stabilizer

No. When you get the stabilizer, compress it all the way and measure the overall length. Then extend it all the way out and measure again. Split the difference, and that's how far the shock should be extended when it's mounted and the tires are pointing straight ahead. For example, if you mount the shock and have it extended too far out, you won't be able to turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. Or, if you put the mounting brackets too close together, you won't be able to turn left.
If you get the complete kit with the brackets, it will probably come with instructions on how far the brackets should be apart. I just bought the replacement shock since mine already had the kit installed and it didn't come with any instructions.
 
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Old Jun 20, 2003 | 12:11 AM
  #7  
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Talking which stabilizer

Stabalizers are all about the same until you you get above 38's. Rancho is right up there with the best of them.
 
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