I have a 2017 F250 w/ 48k miles. 37k of those miles have been on a Pure Performance 4" chase kit with rear leafs, Carli pin tops, and 38x13.5R20 Nitto Ridge Grapplers on 20x12 wheels. Everything has been amazing about that setup...drives straight, handles well, doesnt flinch at sustained at high speed. In the last week I have developed DW when hitting pavement inconsistencies around 55mph. I am sure I have worn components in the steering/suspension that I need to diagnose and correct, but the issue also got me to thinking about steering stabilizers, their purpose, and how they might help to protect other down (or up) stream components.

It seems there are a few approaches in therms of location and type:
1) single stabilizer on the drag link (OEM, Carli, Fox ATS thru shaft)
2) dual opposing stabilizers on the drag link and the tie rod (Carli)
3) single stabilizer on the tie rod (ICON thru shaft)
4) dual opposing stabilizers on the tie rod (PMF, Icon, etc).

Each has its pros/cons. I would be interested to hear others opinions on what is the optimal approach in maximizing what a stabilizer is supposed to do....

 

Option four puts them in the correct location.

 

Check for worn components and option 4 is the correct choice.

 

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Appreciate the input. Would you care to quantify your position? not being combative...just want to hear other think through their positions....

 

Be aware that DW is almost always caused by worn track bar bushings or mounting. A good steering stabilizer is a band-aid. It can be an effective band-aid in removing the results of track bar issues, but a band-aid nonetheless.

 

I haven't experienced the death wobble but I added a Bilstein stabilizer to mine. It definitely helped with bump steer, etc. but the absolute gamechanger was ordering caster sleeves from Summit Racing. I believe Ford sets the caster really light on these trucks in an effort to make them light steering. With the larger tires my truck exhibited bump steer, wheel jerks on bumps, etc. Adding 2° additional caster made the truck feel more "planted", eliminated almost all of the bump steer and eliminated the tendency to wander on the Interstate. I bought the SPS-23228 sleeves and installed them myself - easy job.

Oh, I agree - #4 on the list is the way to go.

 

Here's my theory backed up by trial and error and research.

My OEM stabilizer was leaking so I replaced it with a Fox ATS. I immediately noticed when my suspension cycled up/down that the steering wheel would rotate back and forth. As I tightened the ATS it got worse and it got better as I loosened the resistance. I found an article (which I can't find now) that talked about why the SS needs to be on the same plane as the components they are attached to. This is not the case with the factory setup, it is at an angle so as the suspension goes up/down it moved the shaft on the SS which was pushing my steering wheel around. I agree that worn components should be your first priority. Whether you go single or dual is up to you but on the axle and tie rods is where it should be in my opinion and research.

Also my stock caster with everything as it was from factory is 4.24 on drivers side and 4.6 on passenger. Other truck seem to be much lower and they seem to have issues that I don't experience such as DW and bump steer. Mine is an early build 2017 and I don't know why they vary so much.

 

is there a service time for these? Or just check them from time to time? And how would we tell if they’re worn out?
Thanks (probably a stupid question but.. a question non the less haha)

 

have a friend in the truck steer back and forth as quick as they can when the truck is not moving on flat ground. I'd you have a lot of movent at the bushing its worn.. if you have any play at the joint, its bad

One thing that will prolong the life (and the life of steering in any car) is dont dry steer! Especially with the weight on these front ends and when you throw a meatier tire on

 

Does the addition of a steering stabilizer on a new truck extend the life of the track bar system?

 

My vote is yes and backed by real $$$. Installed a dual stabilizer on my 2020 with less than 200 miles on the truck.

 

See Norcalpr's response. If they're not real bad they can be tough to test, lots of forces on them even when sitting still. so do his test, and also just grab a pry bar and try to move things around. Any play is a bad sign.

 

That's a really good question. Just on gut feel I'd have to say "Yes", as anything that reduces the forces on those joints would be beneficial to their lifespan.