Steering stabilizer
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Steering stabilizer
Just purchased a 2005 X with 6.0 (all engine work done). It has 126,000 miles. Had a buddy go through it at his shop, everything is good. There is a little play in steering, was going to replace steering stabilizer. Just not sure if I should go with dual or just replace single with a better one. No lift, never putting one in. I tow a ~8000 lbs. camper in the summer. Any thoughts. Thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: In the field...
If he has checked everything, then it's the steering box or it's "wander" and you need some caster added.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2017
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From: TN
I added enough positive caster to get to over 6* each side and an alignment. Already had done all front ball joints, and drag link ends. All good now and tracks true. You can adjust your box a bit, but may need a new one if all other components are good. I used a single Bilstein and it works fine but has no real effect if you have any sloppy parts up front. The 6* made all the difference for wander. I have X codes and Mod C's and a Hellwig rear sway. Redhead has the replacement boxes on hand, but are still awaiting the HD version of their box for the next orders.
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From: Media PA
Welcome to the EX forum! 
I agree with the guys who posted above, a steering stabilizer will not take up "play" and there is something else that is causing the issue. Go through, or have all of the front end components gone through again more closely.
Or is your description of "play in the steering" actually wander (constant need to input steering corrections to maintain a straight line) or a tire issue or..........
Can you clearly define and explain this play? If the steering wheel can rotate freely without having the front tires move, something was overlooked during the inspection.
As far as the steering stabilizer question, I run a 4" lift and 35" tires and tow an 11,300lb TT and use a single steering stabilizer (actually a cheap Dorman replacement) and my steering is as true and accurate as any truck I've ever driven.
I agree with the guys who posted above, a steering stabilizer will not take up "play" and there is something else that is causing the issue. Go through, or have all of the front end components gone through again more closely.
Or is your description of "play in the steering" actually wander (constant need to input steering corrections to maintain a straight line) or a tire issue or..........
Can you clearly define and explain this play? If the steering wheel can rotate freely without having the front tires move, something was overlooked during the inspection.
As far as the steering stabilizer question, I run a 4" lift and 35" tires and tow an 11,300lb TT and use a single steering stabilizer (actually a cheap Dorman replacement) and my steering is as true and accurate as any truck I've ever driven.
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I guess the "play" I felt is actually "wander", thanks. The front end was gone through, found a bad tie rod end. Was replaced and had alignment done. How would I correct the wander.
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Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Western AR
Thor has that covered in his post above.
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FTE Chapter Leader
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From: N. IL
Spring, I'd also take a look at your steering gear box for potential adjustment. It's helped my wander significantly. Not a difficult job, just time consuming with the many test drives after tightening slightly. From the Tech folder sticky:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15828359
I was too lazy to reach down there and adjust, so used a lotta wobbly extensions.
IMO, this improved the steering on uneven pavement at 40+mph. Perhaps not a permanent fix, but in my case this improved the issue until I purchased a red head. A worn steering box will allow the truck to steer in spite of you holding the wheel still (darting side to side). Worn tie rods, ball joints, unit bearings, shocks will contribute to the issue also.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15828359
I was too lazy to reach down there and adjust, so used a lotta wobbly extensions.
IMO, this improved the steering on uneven pavement at 40+mph. Perhaps not a permanent fix, but in my case this improved the issue until I purchased a red head. A worn steering box will allow the truck to steer in spite of you holding the wheel still (darting side to side). Worn tie rods, ball joints, unit bearings, shocks will contribute to the issue also.
FTE Chapter Leader
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From: N. IL
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