Steering Stabilizers
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Steering Stabilizers
I was curious how well the steering stabilizers work. LMC sells a kit for about $115 that basically is a shock absorber mounted between the solid front axle and the tie rod. Has anyone tried one of these?
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: San Jose, CA
Check with Sacramento Vintage Ford. I think theirs run around $90. It's the same kit. Also, check with a local 4x4 parts store. They'll also have them. The kits are also used on many 4x4/rock crawler vehs.
I hear that they help when you have a loose steering box.
Ilya
I hear that they help when you have a loose steering box.
Ilya
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
If you have wandering problems that aren't because of worn components you may not have enough caster angle. Try adding a couple tapered shims between the axle and the spring in such a way that the top of the axle tips back more. Also be sure you have ~1/16" of toe in. That's a lot cheaper fix than a stabilizer. You really shouldn't need a stabilizer if your front end is in good condition and properly aligned unless you are going off-roading.
That all said and done, I had one on an 86 Chev van that the PO installed, made the steering rather numb.
That all said and done, I had one on an 86 Chev van that the PO installed, made the steering rather numb.
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Originally Posted by 51PanelMan
I hear that they help when you have a loose steering box.
Ilya
Ilya
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From: Auburndale, Florida
If you decide to go with a steering stabilizer - you can usually get a better deal by looking through the ebay listing for shocks and stabilizers. You might have to make your own mount but finding a suitable shock for the weight and size of your vehicle shouldn't be too hard and it'll likely cost you less than $20. Depends on what you time is worth of course but if you're budget conscious this might save you a couple of bucks and work just as well- the mount is not hard to make for a straight axle.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
I've got a tight 56 box and column (with turn signals built in) I'd sell you for the price of a stabilizer, but I'd suggest going with the Toyota manual box conversion for about the same money. I wouldn't try to use a standard shock absorber tho, they are usually not valved equally in both directions nor are they designed to work in a horizontal position.
Last edited by AXracer; Apr 18, 2005 at 07:30 AM.
