So, I went with Fox shocks to replace the OEM shocks and today my Kelderman dual steering stabilizer arrived for my 19. I must say, I am a bit disappointed. The quality of the part is not and issue, it’s the other issues that are starting to add up to be a PITA.

1st - The install instructions are horrible. I suppose if you have done several of these it would make sense. Having 4 steps for the whole install is a bit lacking in information. Basically, you look at the pics and figure it out for yourself but the individual that purchases this item would benefit from detailed instructions if they are doing this for the first time on their own and not having a local off-road shop doing the install.

2nd - There are no torque settings for any of the bolts. I called them and was informed that they didn’t have any and to just snug them down real good and it should be fine. There is a wide variation in what someone might consider snug and they should have torque values to eliminate the possibility of under/over tightening suspension components.

3rd - The video I found says it takes 15 minutes to install. More like 15 minutes to figure out you can’t get past the 1st step because the bolts won’t fit. You are directed to remove two bolts from the diff cover and then reuse these bolts to install the bracket. SEE MY UPDATE AT POST #16

For those that have gone this route, any other issues I need to be aware of before I get back into this again on Saturday?

 

Thats disturbing. Everything Ive read about Kelderman is quality merch... Lots of guys have figured it out. Youll get it... keep us posted because Im looking to do that or a King replacement for the stocker.
As for torquing the nuts... Check the bolts for grade. Google torque specs and you can get general recommendations for nuts and bolts of that size and grade. You are correct to consider that but perhaps more **** than needed. And I say that with all due respect as I am buying a $160.00 torque wrench just for rotating my tires...
And if as with most assemblies everything needs to line up in coordination... assemble everything finger tight first. Make sure everything is level and straight and then torque up...
Your right about re using the diff bolts. Im thinking you might want to get some as much longer as the plate is thick. If the holes are blind dont just get longer bolts because they might bottom out.
Dont get insulted if this is all obvious to you. Just trying to help and keep up on it cuz I may be laying on my back in a few weeks following your solutions.

 

all of them have the basis of design and are all about the same..little different bracket or U bolts..
watch a few youtube videos

 

I have a PMF with bilsteins coming next week, they have already sent me the instructions, with torque specs, seems pretty straight forward.. pm me your email and I can send them to you. shouldn't be too different...

 

I am not having many issues figuring out where the parts go, just taken back a bit by the lack of attention to detail that one might expect. Granted, through trial and error you can figure it out but you waste a lot of time and effort.

I will post up pics of the install once complete on some things to look out for if you go with this kit.

 

From the pictures and videos online this thing looks like a beast. Install should be pretty straight forward

matt

 

No torque settings is a cop out. Kelderman is off my list, even though they have a great reputation. I shouldn't have to chase down installation details.

 

My truck is not lifted. I don't have DW but I have a lot of bumpsteer. It looks as though Kelderman, PMF and Procomp are the only options for a stock height dual steering stabilizer kit. Am I missing any other options?
Op once you get done let us know how it went, thanks.

 

Mine went on in about 30 min. No issues!

 

That is disappointing. I want the same setup. Upload a pic when you get it installed

 

I installed mine on my 450 in 1.5 hours. That was laying in a gravel driveway. The direction were not good, but google hooked me right up.

 

Badford, the Fox stickers would drive me nuts like that...
Was there not a way to have them face properly? Or did you want them like that?

 

The sticker are on them when you get it. No way to adjust without peeling them off and getting new decals.

 

my PMF dual setup was a bit tricky. first of all I have a 2019 f-450 dually and correctly bought the wide track version of the dual stabilizer setup.

put it all together and added the extra boots.

had binding in both directions between the shock body and the track bar.

I had to reverse the shock position so that the shock bodies were furthest from the track bar.

sent PMF pics and explained the problem and solution.

they agreed their would be more clearance to do it the way I did but did not understand why their standard install method did not work. they examined the pics and agreed there was a problem with their install method on the 2019 f-450 dually.

so yes...some mechanical ability is good so you can recognize potential problems.

 

I installed my Kelderman myself, laying on my back on the ground. A few things I learned and some replies to your comments. I talked to Kelderman before doing the job, and they also told me they had no torque specs. In my opinion the only torque numbers you really need are for the two bolts on the differential cover. I didn’t torque mine, just snugged them tight like they said. I believe that I read somewhere that these bolts are torqued to 25 ft-lbs but don’t quote me on that. I was comfortable snugging them on. . In regards to those two bolts, Kelderman included two replacement bolts because they are longer than the OEM bolts, so you might want to check your bolt kit. If the new ones really are absent, call Kelderman and I’m sure they’ll send you some or give you the size so you can buy a couple. I noticed that the OEM bolts had blue Loctite on them, but I didn’t put any on my new bolts. This was probably something I should have done. The four big bolts that secure the bracket to the axle are Grade 8 bolts with nylon locking nuts. Just pay attention and get each one on evenly, and tighten them down hard. You ain’t gonna break Grade 8 bolts. It’s probably a good idea to recheck these after several hundred miles to confirm tightness.

You do have to replace one of the bolts on the tie rod end bracket because again the OEM bolt is too short. Kelderman supplied the longer bolt. No big deal here. Just pay close attention to where the square “washer” is located that fits on the square side of the OEM lag bolt because the new bolt is a standard hex head bolt. Again, no issue here with installation. Just pay attention and maybe take a picture of it before you start removing things.

The biggest issue for me occurred when I went to install the stabilizer shocks. I had the truck on blocks so that the front tires were not in the air. This made getting the greatest distance between the mounting holes difficult. The second time I did it (don’t ask), I supported the axle on jack stands which made it so I could push the tires and extend the tie rod to its maximum extent by pushing the tire out with my feet while I inserted the bolt in the tie rod bracket. Put the bolt into the axle bracket first and then install the outside tie rod bolt. And insert the bolt from bottom up. I had to have a helper insert the outer bolt because it took both my hands and most of my strength to compress the stabilizer. These are damn strong shocks/stabilizers.

I believe in the end, you’ll be extremely pleased with the results in regards to stabilizing your front steering. I left my OEM stabilizer in place until I replaced it with a FOX ATS model 093-02-143 race adjustable style. Honestly, the steering was completely stabilized by the Kelderman Dual setup. I simply wanted all the stabilization I could get since I had TWO OEM stabilizers go bad on my 2019 F-350, one at 15k miles and the second at 18k miles. I just passed 21k miles and am confident that I’ve solved the problem with Sustained Steering Wheel Oscillation/Death Wobble on my truck.

I also installed Monroe boots on my stabilizers to mitigate road debris from from contaminating the piston rods. I got them off Amazon and they fit perfectly. Well worth the $10 - h