The X tracks pretty straight going down MT roads which is quite an accomplishment. The one thing I still notice is that when the wheel is straight up (steering straight that is) you can move the steering wheel very easy in a zone of about an inch or so. It is a bit of a dead zone-not like my last X but like I say, it tracks straight.It is actually easier to drive the beast down the highway with one hand than two because one hand seems to exert less force and create unncessary movement of the wheel within the "easy zone" I'm considering dual steering stabilizers. Anyone know if this would help or am I barking up the wrong tree?

My previous X had a new steering gear which worked the same way-Ford OEM part. It had the same scenario except it wandered so I tried tightening the steering gear a little. All that did was make it harder to correct for wandering so I'm not looking for a wander cure. I don't really have the wanders.I am looking to give the steering a bit more stability and consistency at the top when driving straight.
Any of that make sense??

 

David, I've read a lot of your posts and you have a level head about the mods you have done.

That being said - unless you are seriously off-roading, a dual stabilizer is more about cosmetic appearances and perception and in many cases masks other problem(s).

Tightening the screw on the steering gear is nothing more than an adjustment (in most instances zealousness ensues) and your results were the norm and not the exception. Resistance in steering feel does not tighten the steering. Adjustments are supposed to be applied in minor increments i.e., 1/8 turn = 45°. Most adjustments that I read/hear being done are 1/2 - 3/4 turn.

Just a guess, but there may be some other adjustments to be made before adding a dual steering stabilizer.

Alignment, tire pressures and other components need to be 100%. A certain thread on caster comes to mind...

 

I was thinking about getting a front stabilizer, but after spending time here, I think I'll get a free front end inspection as well as the transmission inspection! Then I will know the skinny!

 

I just had rough country dual stabilizers put on. Tamed those big tires from jerking the steering wheel.

Dual Steering Stabilizer [87490.20] | Rough Country Suspension Systems®

 

No off roading-strictly highway and a few dirt roads.It's hard to explain and as I drove it tonight before reading this, I realized I was barking up the wrong tree. Let's say the steering wheel is dead center for going straight down the road. There is no wander per se other than what these freaking MT roads cause. What's bugging me is that 2-3 inch movement that you have to do to keep things lined up on narrow 2 lane highways with no shoulders. I don't mind making the correction as I consider it normal. It is the fact that that small area of movement is extremely easy--offers no resistance or feedback. Kinda feels like I'm disconnected from the vehicle as far as steering. If I use 1 hand driving down the road, it is easier as I am not putting but 1/2 or less directing force on the wheel. Add second hand going straight, it's easy to over correct. It's like a dead zone and then suddenly you move into an active zone of steering which sometimes puts me into a small overcorrection. I could envision steering gears at top dead center being slighty worn and having play between the male and female parts. I've never tried a Redhead but a new (rebuilt) Ford gear put on by the dealer on my previous X was worse than the one I had originally. This one drives like a formula 1 compared to the last one. Perhaps it is this type of steering setup overall that causes the issue. At 100K miles, I don't want t think of how many parts are worn but still seem fine upon routine checks. Definitely not a rack and pinion feel. Don't know if that conveys the sensation but it's the best I can do. Unfortunately, I don't think anything short of replacing all the front end components will get rid of it--and who knows if that would even work?

 

From your description it sounds like worn out parts.

The 2-3 inch movement, If you have the vehicle parked with the engine running how far can you move the wheel without the front tires actually moving ?

IIRC fords specs for the TRE are .005 radial and .009 axial,
A thou here and a thou there combined with fords notorious loose tolerances on the steer gear ( why you want the redhead gear ) and pretty soon you have a wheel with a 2-3 inch "dead zone "

Fwiw, I originally found Redhead after ford tried the 3rd box on my truck under warranty. I gave up on Fords solution and found my own. I've since put them on 3 of my vehicles over the years.

 

Did the Redhead eliminate your dead zone??

 

The redhead cut mine down to < 1" at the steering wheel. I haven't measured it but it's as if none existed.

The dual stabilizers help but not in the same way most think. They're shock absorbers for steering and will not tighten anything. However they will make the steering a bit "heavier" and reduce negative feed back. I like the feel.

In much the same way as shocks dampen rebound so too will stabilizers dampen the steering. I run dual fox units and travel very little off road but I do tow and often find ruts and uneven terrain. They do make driving down the highway more predictable especially with cross winds while pulling a trailer.

The dual units (guessing) are not 50/50 units like singles... maybe 70/30 but that's a guess.

 

Best I could measure was about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches each way--so a little less than a 4 inch dead zone

 

I believe what first made me think about a dual stabilizer (promise you won't laugh) is the steering on the government's new Dodge mini-van I drive everyday. Being front wheel drive, it is a heavier feel to the steering which I like just because it makes me feel like I have better feedback from the road when driving. Add that to my 3 in or so dead zone and I was scratching my head. Thankfully it is not a wanderer or I would be going nuts. My last one was and it used to wear me out

 

So anyone know how much someone would charge--just ballpark or parking lot--to install the new steering gear? With the V-10 I had, I'd be tempted to do it myself. However, the thought of doing a diesel sends shivers up my spine.

 

Cost? no...but here's what to expect or request; FYI I did my own.
new hoses, especially the high pressure
flush system
fluid replace
bleed and road test

Make sure you ASK to get the steering wheel centered. Guessing about 3-4 hrs labor + retail for parts.

Hardest part "for me" was the pitman arm removal from the old steering gear. multiple trips to napa for increasing bigger and better tools. Knowing what I know now I would have just replaced it ... they're $30-40.

 

Totally different animals the Dodge mini van is rack and pinion versus recirculating ball on the EX and most other trucks.

 

The dealer who did my other one's definition of a road test was if it could be driven off the lot to the road If I was in civilization, I'd probably do it but with the closest auto parts store 30 miles away and my other means of transportation being an ATV, I'm gonna punt on this one as a do it your selfer.
I need to find a good alignment shop which out here is probably about 200 miles. I guess I could make it a road trip-spend the night and hang out with my dog until it's done.

 

Oh yeah-I know + front wheel drive but it was the feel of the steering I envied. I don't generally say anything nice about a Chrysler product. The firmer feel is what originally made me wonder about a dual stabilizer. A lot of parts have to move in our steering setup when we move the wheel. You would think someone would invent something different--or maybe someone already has.