Repacing steering stabilizer
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 750
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From: Weimar,TX
Repacing steering stabilizer
Anything special about installing a new steering stabilizer on my F250?
Looks simple enough, but would like confirmation.
Thanks,
Jack
2003 F250 4WD 7.3 PSD Lariat Crew Cab
Looks simple enough, but would like confirmation.
Thanks,
Jack
2003 F250 4WD 7.3 PSD Lariat Crew Cab
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 261
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From: EAST STROUDSBURG,PA
two bolts. just like replacing a shock. the good thing is a steering stabilizer is not pressurized like a shock. i would suggest putting a dual steering stabilizer kit on. a dual kit cost about $90. to install the dual kit if i remember correct there is one piece you have to cut off.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Hamilton, MT
Do they make steering stabilizer packages that come with the hardware to install them?, my 250 has got the one mount and the indents on the steering arm but it didnt come with a stabilizer from the factory.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 261
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From: EAST STROUDSBURG,PA
you can buy a dual steering stabilizer kit. comes with all of the hardware needed and two stabilizer shocks. only thing you will need is a cut off wheel and tools. i am very sure there is something you have to cut off to install the duals. i bought the skyjacker dual kit last year. the pistons started leaking in less then a year. the auto store warrantied them for me. i paid the difference and installed the kyb steering stabilizers. seriously though i would buy what ever dual kit is on sale. make sure there is one piston for the left and one for the right. i think some kits put both pistons on the left. i personally feel haveing two pistons on the left will not work as well.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
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interesting thought about installing stabilizers different directions.
The reason some dual kits turn the shocks different directions is because the shocks are not valved equally. This means that the compression, and rebound valving is not 50/50. By turning one one way, and the other the other way, it will dampen correctly both directions. When "shocks" are used as a steering damper this is common to see.
If a true stabilizer / damper is used, and is valved 50/50, it does not matter which direction they are installed since they will dampen at the same rate under compression, and extension (rebound).
The reason some dual kits turn the shocks different directions is because the shocks are not valved equally. This means that the compression, and rebound valving is not 50/50. By turning one one way, and the other the other way, it will dampen correctly both directions. When "shocks" are used as a steering damper this is common to see.
If a true stabilizer / damper is used, and is valved 50/50, it does not matter which direction they are installed since they will dampen at the same rate under compression, and extension (rebound).
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,613
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From: Flagstaff, Arizona
I installed a dual steering stabilizer on my F250 SD Crew Cab in about 15 minutes, I went with the Rough Country one, I originally had bought the Superlift style, but it hung down pretty low below the axle!!! Not good if you spend any time in the woods. The Rough Country setup is in-line with axle and cost me like $85 with shipping, really helped with bump-steer too!
Freshman User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 38
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From: Ulster County, NY
Cut here and there
Originally Posted by claw302
two bolts. just like replacing a shock. the good thing is a steering stabilizer is not pressurized like a shock. i would suggest putting a dual steering stabilizer kit on. a dual kit cost about $90. to install the dual kit if i remember correct there is one piece you have to cut off.
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,613
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff, Arizona
There wasn't anything to cut off on my install, I had no factory stabilizer though, not sure how it would be affected by a factory one. My install was CAKE.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: La La Land
madjak,
Depending on how you use your truck, a dual system may be unnecessary.
Most folks just use them "for the looks", not because they need them.
As 75F350 said, those units designed as stabilizers are, indeed, valved 50-50.
You may have to move the drag-link mounting a little when using a non-Ford dampener, to get the travel in the center when in the straight-ahead position.
Pop
Depending on how you use your truck, a dual system may be unnecessary.
Most folks just use them "for the looks", not because they need them.
As 75F350 said, those units designed as stabilizers are, indeed, valved 50-50.
You may have to move the drag-link mounting a little when using a non-Ford dampener, to get the travel in the center when in the straight-ahead position.
Pop
Last edited by SpringerPop; May 14, 2007 at 07:05 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,342
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From: Georgia
Did your truck come with one and you are just replacing it? I just replaced mine this weekend after busting the old one during lift install when the axle slipped off the floor jack onto it. I measured the original one fully extended and then fully compressed and took the measurement with me to the store. Glad I did because the first one they tried to give me was way too short. The second was way too long. (Starting to sound like the 3 bears huh?) They finally got the correct one (Rancho #5410) As stated above, simple two bolt install.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 3
From: WARRINGTON, PA
i also have the rough country dual inline kit. its on my 01 X. i removed my factory shock, and bolted the brackets and shocks on. took like 10 minutes. no cutting at all. i talked to many people about other dual stabalizers. most would not work unless the truck was lifted and would only work with their lift. the rough country kit does not interefere with anything at all. white with black boots and zinc brackets.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
I have 315's and I switched out to a bilstien shock for my stabilizer. One is perfectly fine. It's primary purpose is to stop the steering wheel from oscolating, a good front end alignment is required to reduce bump steer. The dampner will reduce the sharpness of bump steer, but it is a geometry problem.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 750
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From: Weimar,TX
I am just replacing mine.....not sure it is even bad but with 53000 miles, might as well relpace it and see if it helps with vibration at 60-70 mph and a little play in steering wheel. Had truck aligned and they mentioned ball joints will need replacing in about 20,000 miles. I am going to have wheels balanced and see if that helps vibration.
Thanks for all the replys!
Jack
2003 F250 4WD 7.3 PSD Lariat Crew Cab
Thanks for all the replys!
Jack
2003 F250 4WD 7.3 PSD Lariat Crew Cab
Freshman User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Ulster County, NY
I did a quick look at mine, I have two U-Bolts holding mine onto the bar and I also see a notch where I assume the U-Bolt is supposed to rest... Are there more than two notches for adjustment reasons or did the factory miss?
2002 F250 4WD 5.4L V8 SD Supercab, 4.10 LS, Heavy Suspension
2002 F250 4WD 5.4L V8 SD Supercab, 4.10 LS, Heavy Suspension
