I'm trying to buy a Bilstein steering damper for my truck. On Amazon and other sites, it shows this style damper:


Notice the end of the damper with the stud attached. I confirmed this style on fordparts.com using my VIN for my truck:



However, on my truck, the part doesn't match.



As you can see, the stud is mounted to a bracket on the frame, which goes through a bushing on the shock. It looks like the part on the 08-10 trucks. I looked up the part for a 2010 F350:



And the damper on Amazon for 2010 looks to be the same style.


So, is there some sort of anomaly with my truck? Is there a way to confirm which one I should buy? Maybe take the stock one off and measure the collapsed and extended lengths and the diameter of the studs? Anyone else have the same deal?

 

If you have a 05 or newer, then they have the stud on the end, or it comes with it and just bolt together, I have a 07 and got the rancho, and it came with the stud, but I also added a dual for more support

 

I wonder if for some reason the PO installed a bracket from an 08+? That really is odd. I did see on Amazon there was one guy who rated three stars and returned it for a no fit.
Your best bet I am thinking is just measure collapsed and extended, Bilstein website gives all the dimensions.

Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873

That, or there is something in the kit for the correct year that they don't show for your truck

 

I really like my Top Gun Customz dual Bilstein stabilizer, but I don't see it on their web page any more. Here is a similar one I found on eBay:


2005 2016 Bilstein Dual Steering Stabilizer Kit Ford F250 F350 Super Duty | eBay


Top Gun does have several dual stabilizes with different cylinders from Rough Country, Rancho, Fox, etc.


Here's mine:

 

I guess it's possible, although, that seems like a really pointless modification. And the bracket on my truck doesn't look identical to the one on the exploded view. That one has two 90* bends so the spot for the stud is parallel with the surface that bolts to the frame, whereas mine only has one 90* bend, so the spot where the stud mounts is perpendicular to the surface where it mounts to the frame. I suppose I could call my local dealer and order that bracket in, but that's an extra $50. I agree the best bet would probably be to just measure the collapsed/extended lengths and see what matches. The only thing I really worry about is if the stud ends up being a different size and the bushing is too small to fit over the stud, or it's too big and I end up with excessive play.

I definitely considered a Bilstein dual setup, and I love the way they look, but I don't think I would benefit enough from them over the single to justify the additional $200 over the single shock (at least at this point in time). I'm at stock height and tire size currently, and I'd like to put a 2.5" level on the front in a few weeks when my tax refund comes in. But even then, what would a dual setup get me that a quality single wouldn't?

 

You won't see any benefit over one Ryan, would be overkill. dscabra(sharp truck by the way!) is running larger tires and his case helps with wobble/wandering. Some guys running stock tires and 2" level don't even run a dampner.
Sure, they look cool but unless you are running larger tires, it's just that.....looks. It won't hurt anything if you would choose to install a dual.

I will be doing a 2" level on the boys truck in the next few weeks as well, and plan to replace the shocks and dampner with Rancho. Advanced Auto has a pretty good rebate on Monroe stuff right now along with the 30% discount.

 

That looks like the frame bracket from a 2002/down.A friend of mine had an 02 and IIRC that's what his looked like.Look up a stabilizer for an 02 and see what it looks like.
Mark

 

I have a 2005 F350 and this is the one I ordered from Amazon:

Bilstein 33-170862 5100 Series Steering Damper

Works on my application.

 

Thought I'd give everyone who commented an update.
I just decided to order the correct bracket that is listed for my VIN on fordparts.com. I got it for $28 from White Bear Lake Ford, instead of the ~$45 listed price. This way, I can be absolutely sure the damper I bought will fit. My biggest concern with buying a different model year part is the size of the studs that they mount to. I didn't see any dimensions listed for those. So thanks everyone for your input, it's greatly appreciated!

BTW, dscabra, I love the aggressive look of your truck. Maybe someday when I can afford to build mine up a bit, I'll probably aim for a look like what you have.

 

Thanks!