Steering stabilizer
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Senior User
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Steering stabilizer
Wondering if I can disconnect stabilizer shock and run on highway like that? I am 95% highway driving.
Had a wheel alignment, new shocks all around and installed Landyot Radius rods to get rid of rear sway, now dealing with the front. The wandering is still quite bad, but it feels like front end. Just starting to track down the problem so want to eliminate things 1 by 1. thanks for any input
Had a wheel alignment, new shocks all around and installed Landyot Radius rods to get rid of rear sway, now dealing with the front. The wandering is still quite bad, but it feels like front end. Just starting to track down the problem so want to eliminate things 1 by 1. thanks for any input
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Houston, Texas
Make sure your tires are properly inflated to 60 psi or so if they're load range E
Make sure your front sway bar end links aren't worn, if so replace them
If your steering Stab is the original, replace it, you'll be surprised how much of a role it plays
Make sure your ball joints and tie rods are also well greased
Make sure your front sway bar end links aren't worn, if so replace them
If your steering Stab is the original, replace it, you'll be surprised how much of a role it plays
Make sure your ball joints and tie rods are also well greased
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Make sure your tires are properly inflated to 60 psi or so if they're load range E
Make sure your front sway bar end links aren't worn, if so replace them
If your steering Stab is the original, replace it, you'll be surprised how much of a role it plays
Make sure your ball joints and tie rods are also well greased
Make sure your front sway bar end links aren't worn, if so replace them
If your steering Stab is the original, replace it, you'll be surprised how much of a role it plays
Make sure your ball joints and tie rods are also well greased
Yes E-rated Hankook Dynapro ATM's and I think i am running 55F 60R. I'll check. Sway bar bushings replaced up front (I have the 34mm bar), havent checked the end links. Ball joints tight and greased. When you say steering "Stab" I assume you are just saying Stabilizer...?
Also heard track bar bushings can wear out.. and cause problems... I ordered a set of Prothane bushings just incase. And I know by feel and look that my front leafs are at the end of their life. Replaced the front bump stops as they were cracked up and half broken off, and now I see the top of the leaf has a polished circle where it is frequently in contact with the bumpstop. Never could figure out why the springs were the same for a 5.4l gas and a 6.0 diesel that weighs WAY MORE. Looking at some Code U springs from a wrecker, just a bit stiffer than what I have and should have a lot more life left in them.
When you say the stablizer plays a big role, what effect does it have on steering feel? Honestly never had a truck with a stablizer bar before so have nothing to compare it to.
Thanks again
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
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A worn steering stabilizer is not going to contribute to wander. It's sole purpose is to help absorb and dampen impacts, vibrations, and jolts - just like the shocks on your suspension do. If the stabilizer is worn out, bumps and such on the road will make the wheel jerk randomly, but not make the steering wander.
If you've ensured the ball joints and tierods are in good condition, I'd be leaning towards the track bar bushings. It locates the front axle laterally under the vehicle, and if components of it are worn out or loose then it can contribute greatly to steering wander. It's easy enough to look and see if that's the problem: have one person slowly turn the wheel back and forth about a 1/4 turn off center in each direction while you watch the track bar mountings top and bottom. If there is ANY movement, bushings need replacement.
If you've ensured the ball joints and tierods are in good condition, I'd be leaning towards the track bar bushings. It locates the front axle laterally under the vehicle, and if components of it are worn out or loose then it can contribute greatly to steering wander. It's easy enough to look and see if that's the problem: have one person slowly turn the wheel back and forth about a 1/4 turn off center in each direction while you watch the track bar mountings top and bottom. If there is ANY movement, bushings need replacement.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
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From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
If your looking at font springs you should be considering V codes for your Diesel.
I agree with Razzi, on the replacement of your steering stabilizer. First do what your doing in assuring everything else up there is in good working order.
I agree with Razzi, on the replacement of your steering stabilizer. First do what your doing in assuring everything else up there is in good working order.
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Not sure what I think about the V-codes. I mean I know its a very popular modification, but for a purpose. It sure rides smooth right now, and it has 6 people in it 90% of the time, family hauler!
Code U is a 2030lb spring, Code V is a 2630lb spring, and my factory are a 1980lb spring. (well, a totally worn out 1980lb spring pack that is! lol)
Just thinking that is a big jump for a family hauler that never goes off road....? Whats the ride like on say a gravel road with washboard? Or your average bumps and cracks in the pavement? I searched the spring upgrades to death but dont want to go to stiff.
Thanks I appreciate all the feedback here!
Code U is a 2030lb spring, Code V is a 2630lb spring, and my factory are a 1980lb spring. (well, a totally worn out 1980lb spring pack that is! lol)
Just thinking that is a big jump for a family hauler that never goes off road....? Whats the ride like on say a gravel road with washboard? Or your average bumps and cracks in the pavement? I searched the spring upgrades to death but dont want to go to stiff.
Thanks I appreciate all the feedback here!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
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V codes aren't anywhere near as harsh as you're thinking. I have them on mine, and it still floats over everything - which is saying lot considering I drive through Houston every day.
Personally I find them still a bit too soft, and will be upgrading to X codes come tax time.
Personally I find them still a bit too soft, and will be upgrading to X codes come tax time.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
I had the V codes on my previous ex, did not feel harsh at all to me. I never towed anything with that excursion, mainly used for family vacations up and down east coast. Truck just felt very solid and the handling was much improved.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
V codes aren't anywhere near as harsh as you're thinking. I have them on mine, and it still floats over everything - which is saying lot considering I drive through Houston every day.
Personally I find them still a bit too soft, and will be upgrading to X codes come tax time.
Personally I find them still a bit too soft, and will be upgrading to X codes come tax time.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
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The only ones that get run over are the ones that jaywalk with reckless "Don't give a F" attitudes in the middle of the street. During rush hour. With traffic moving 50mph.
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Senior User
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V codes aren't anywhere near as harsh as you're thinking. I have them on mine, and it still floats over everything - which is saying lot considering I drive through Houston every day.
Personally I find them still a bit too soft, and will be upgrading to X codes come tax time.
Personally I find them still a bit too soft, and will be upgrading to X codes come tax time.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2015
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Also have a lot of steering play, may try 1/4 turn on the steering gearbox.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,595
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I'd say steering box or the track bar as mentioned in my previous post.
Both are good places to continue looking for where the wandering is stemming from. The boxes can wear out, a good amount of us have either replaced with new OEM, tightened the existing, or gone the Red Head route. I'll be sticking with stock when I replace.
Both are good places to continue looking for where the wandering is stemming from. The boxes can wear out, a good amount of us have either replaced with new OEM, tightened the existing, or gone the Red Head route. I'll be sticking with stock when I replace.