Feeling the Bumps
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 996
Likes: 132
From: Oklahoma
Feeling the Bumps
I'm still adjusting to my new dually after many years in a GMC. One thing that I find a little disconcerting is the front end shake that is transmitted to the steering wheel when hitting a bump. I understand this may be due to the solid front axle in a Ford vs. the independent suspension GM uses. The overall ride is much improved in the Ford over the ride in my previous 15 GMC Denali dually but bumps didn't shake the steering wheel.
Anyway, is that just the way it is? It's not terrible but noticeable. I assume it doesn't hurt anything but is there a way to stop it? I did see from a search that there are aftermarket steering stabilizers available. Is their function to cure what I'm describing?
Anyway, is that just the way it is? It's not terrible but noticeable. I assume it doesn't hurt anything but is there a way to stop it? I did see from a search that there are aftermarket steering stabilizers available. Is their function to cure what I'm describing?
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
Alignment is something that should really be looked at. Also what are your tire pressures, when unloaded, it really helps to lower pressures a bit from the max setting which is for load and towing.
But yeah, the solid front axle and the unsprung weight is a factor. The other thing you can do as long as alignment is all in spec, is look at a heavier or even dual fit stabilizer.
But yeah, the solid front axle and the unsprung weight is a factor. The other thing you can do as long as alignment is all in spec, is look at a heavier or even dual fit stabilizer.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,361
Likes: 0
IMO, dual steering stabilizers are a must in any solid front axle vehicle. Check your tire pressures as well as alignment. Super Duties have a much more heavier Duty front end than GMs. They are sprung more stiffly as well.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 195
I would have to say not any more. The IFS on the 2011-up HD GM's is very stout, and though it still gives up ground clearance to the SD's in certain circumstances, it rides and handles much better. Seeing no failures at work and they hold an alignment much longer as well. Have to give this one to GM, their IFS used to be junk, no question.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 996
Likes: 132
From: Oklahoma
Thanks. I'm only at 825 miles so hopefully alignment would not be an issue. If I did decide to go with a stabilizer any recommendations and is the install something I can do myself?
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 7
From: 46th State
I'm still adjusting to my new dually after many years in a GMC. One thing that I find a little disconcerting is the front end shake that is transmitted to the steering wheel when hitting a bump. I understand this may be due to the solid front axle in a Ford vs. the independent suspension GM uses. The overall ride is much improved in the Ford over the ride in my previous 15 GMC Denali dually but bumps didn't shake the steering wheel.
Anyway, is that just the way it is? It's not terrible but noticeable. I assume it doesn't hurt anything but is there a way to stop it? I did see from a search that there are aftermarket steering stabilizers available. Is their function to cure what I'm describing?
Anyway, is that just the way it is? It's not terrible but noticeable. I assume it doesn't hurt anything but is there a way to stop it? I did see from a search that there are aftermarket steering stabilizers available. Is their function to cure what I'm describing?
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
I have have been lurking for about 6 months or so sense getting my truck.
I have also driven Chevys for the last 45 years and can't believe how poorly these trucks drive by comparison.
My dealer says bring it in and they will look at it but if this is just how these trucks drive they won't be able to do much.
I have been waiting for a good aftermarket single steering stabilizer to come out but i haven't seen one yet.
I'm too old to want to have to lift my trucks i can get a dual stabilizer.
So, is this just something that i will have to get used to or should i take my truck into the dealer?
It has a lot of bump steer and transmits a lot of shake back into the steering wheel.
I have also driven Chevys for the last 45 years and can't believe how poorly these trucks drive by comparison.
My dealer says bring it in and they will look at it but if this is just how these trucks drive they won't be able to do much.
I have been waiting for a good aftermarket single steering stabilizer to come out but i haven't seen one yet.
I'm too old to want to have to lift my trucks i can get a dual stabilizer.
So, is this just something that i will have to get used to or should i take my truck into the dealer?
It has a lot of bump steer and transmits a lot of shake back into the steering wheel.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2015
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Something must be wrong. I notice literally zero bump steer in my F450. It drives nicer than my 2009 F150.
Maybe take another dually on a test drive to compare?
Maybe take another dually on a test drive to compare?
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Msy truck is just a F250. I had thought about test driving some other trucks but i haven't done it yet. I guess ill see if i receive any more thoughts on this and then if you guys think it should drive better i will take it in. Talking on the phone with the dealer service rep doesn't inspire a lot of confidence that they have a clue, but maybe once an actual tech looks at it they may be able to make it better. Thanks for the input.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 51
From: SoCal
May sound odd, but I had some pretty significant bump steer straight from the factory. Im used to it from having solid front axle trucks before, but when I upgraded my shocks it completely went away. I didn't even touch the steering stabilizer.
Knowing how **** the stock Ranchos were and one of my fronts was blown after only 1k miles, I would seriously look at a bad front shock as well, it even replacing them all together.
Knowing how **** the stock Ranchos were and one of my fronts was blown after only 1k miles, I would seriously look at a bad front shock as well, it even replacing them all together.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 293
From: SE Michigan
May sound odd, but I had some pretty significant bump steer straight from the factory. Im used to it from having solid front axle trucks before, but when I upgraded my shocks it completely went away. I didn't even touch the steering stabilizer.
Knowing how **** the stock Ranchos were and one of my fronts was blown after only 1k miles, I would seriously look at a bad front shock as well, it even replacing them all together.
Knowing how **** the stock Ranchos were and one of my fronts was blown after only 1k miles, I would seriously look at a bad front shock as well, it even replacing them all together.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,399
Likes: 12
Many here have used Fox 2.0s and many have used the Rancho RS9000XLs. Every one seems happy with the upgrade. I like my RS9000XLs a lot. I didn't have bump steer before or after, but my factory shocks weren't blown.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Thanks for the input. I guess I will take it in when I get some time. I wish Ford would worry more about the mechanicals of these trucks and less about the bells & whistles. Hopefully the dealer can get something figured out.