Front Stabilizer Shocks

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Mar 26, 2023 | 12:56 PM

Irtnog

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Feb 2016

Posts: 46

Likes: 4

From: Ocala

Front Stabilizer Shocks

So I am preparing for a road trip from Florida to Alaska leaving in about a month and I'm trying to get my truck in shape to handle the kind of roads I like to drive (secondary/dirt: we almost never take the interstates.)

I have been replacing my shocks and brakes and now I need to replace the front stabilizer shocks. The problem I'm encountering is that one retailer shows only 1stabilizer shock to fit the front end. My truck has 2. There is a long bolt and 2 bushings for where it attaches to the bracket on the bar on the setup I currently have, but apparently the bracket has been moved to accommodate this 2 shock set up. I could move the bracket back over to where it was (stock?) and run one shock (I guess) but that gives me pause.

Is it a good idea to move it and only run one steering stabilizer shock or should I leave it where it is and continue with the dual shock set up?

I hasten to add that I am no mechanic, but I did this once before using Skyjacker Shocks and had no problem. Checking my Haynes manual and it shows only 1 shock!

As always TIA for the advice. Your input has proven invaluable time and again.

Mar 26, 2023 | 05:49 PM

apache84

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 817

Likes: 297

From: KY

My personal opinion is running 2 steering dampers is a waste of money and excessively hard on the hydraulics and just bling. I suppose if your running 44's and aftermarket steering with its own cylinder(s) it would be cool. A good quality damper like Bilstien, Rancho or a Skycracker is plenty. But....as I said its just my $.02 worth. BTW, after mine took a rock and caved it in Im not running one anymore on my 99 F250 4x4 and run forest roads all the time.

Mar 26, 2023 | 05:53 PM

Irtnog

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Feb 2016

Posts: 46

Likes: 4

From: Ocala

Apache,

so your single steering damper took a rock and failed? We’re you still able to drive it?
And are you saying you have no steering damper on your truck any more?

Mar 26, 2023 | 08:52 PM

STOFFERJ

More Turbo

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 532

Likes: 92

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irtnog

your truck had a single one from the factory

so whatever fits your budget best as duals always appeal most to the ricers

Mar 27, 2023 | 06:24 AM

speedfreak78

Cargo Master

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 2,238

Likes: 475

I'm assuming you bought it used and some P.O put on an aftermarket dual damper. In all reality, you don't need a damper if you're suspension is tight. Most trucks didn't even come with them for the longest time. IMO, the only reason they started putting them on is because of people that only owned IFS vehicles being surprised that a solid axle truck has some felt bump steer whenever you hit a decent bump/pothole and the OEMs getting sick of dealing with whiny customers. Throw a $20 stabilizer on and (non)problem solved.

Mar 27, 2023 | 09:10 AM

apache84

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 817

Likes: 297

From: KY

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irtnog

Apache,

so your single steering damper took a rock and failed? We’re you still able to drive it?
And are you saying you have no steering damper on your truck any more?

My 99 came factory with the single damper. Being its location is in front and low somewhat it was the first thing to take a hit. It dented it in 1/2 or so about 2" long. I pulled it off and when compressed to the dent area it bound up could not be compressed all the way by hand anyhow. It still drove fine but the possibility of it freezing up was there so I removed it and threw it in the trash. Will I replace it? ahhh...maybe someday. Rock auto has OEM and higher digit ones for $25 and up IIRC. Keep in mind the bodies on these are not all that beefy so rocks can dent them,same goes for shocks. That is one reason I dont like shocks that are mounted body up like Bilstiens. It puts the shock rod down in a vunerable spot for damages which will destroy the shock seals and render then useless. The idea of running inverted is to lessen the "unsprung" weight of the moving axle assembly. Great of your running 120 mph in the desert.