I was wondering if changing the stock steering stabilizer to a single rancho or pro-comp on a 05 f-350, will make the steering be stiffer. I changed the tires to 325/60/18 and it feels like the steering could be stiffer because on the highway if I hit a hole it's alittle loose. Anyone have the rancho single tube mounted and was it stiffer?

 

The answer is YES...an aftermarket steering damper will be better than the OEM...especially with the size tires you have.

IMO...would be better to go with a dual damper setup...due to tire size.


biz

 

I have Fx4, 350, 2005, 29Kmi., shakey front steering, even after Bilstein new shocks. I am awaiting,single Bilstein shock stabilizer tomorrow, along with new rear Bilstein shocks. Tires are about shot, all the way around, and I check and maintain optimum pressure, aka, 70 - 75 psi front.
I am hoping new Bilstein front stabilzer shock solves my problem. I have factory tires and no mods. I just want a vehicle. Tired of playing mechanic.

 

What part number for front bilstein stabalizer???

 

That is my problem also, I have about 31k and with the old tires it wasn't that bad but with the new ones 2.5 inches wider it is alittle annoying at 65-70 mph. I looked at the rancho dual shock, but anyone know if that bolts into the same location as the old old with just a different bracket?

 

I am supposed to get the part tomorrow from shock warehouse. When I get the part I will post the number. Originally, Shock Warehouse told me that Bilsten does not make the front stabilizer shock. Time will tell. I will post what I receive.

 

When I am towing I keep the pressure in the range of 75-85psi, however this pressure makes for a rough ride when not loaded. I have noticed a great improvement in handling, and ride quality when I drop to 55-60psi. I too am looking into a dual stablizier even for my stock 17" wheels!

 

I changed my tires about a month ago. I went with Mickey Thompson ATZ's 285/75-16 on stock rims. Since I have a 250 SD, not a 350, I dropped to load range D instead of staying with E's. I run them at 65psi and only sacrifice about 125 lbs of load carrying capacity per tire. Not a big deal for my needs since my trailer isn't a 5th wheel. The ride is noticeably softer than the E's that were on the truck before. These tires track and handle alot better. I've still got the stock stabilizer on and I'm going to replace it soon. I've got Procomp MX9000 shocks so I think I'll probably go with the same for the stabilizer. I've been happy with the shocks, I've got about 30k km. on them now.

 

this is what i have on my excursion. and with the 22" wheels, it does a great job keeping the steering steady.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...id=155038&.jpg[/img]

 

rmoss01, I'm definitely inteterested to find out about that Bilstein stabilizer. I have Bilstein shocks so I would like to add the stabilizer too. If not I am going to get a Fabtech.

Also, I have a stock 05 F250 CC. I was looking at the dual in line stabilizers but have decided against it for the following reason (blackhat620 shared some info with me):

This information on the track bar contacting the dual steering stabilizer center bracket on rough terrain (ie construction job sites) comes from a very well respected 6.0 tech. With the dual stabilizer system, (i believe it was the Fabtech style) on rough terrain the track bar contacts the center bracket driving it down into the tie rod causing binding in the steering. Now this was on a stock suspension 05 SD.

So to replace the steering stabilizer on an 05-07 stock height SD you need to just replace the factory unit with a HD unit in the same location.

Now he did tell me that the 70's 1/2 ton 4WD Ford pickups with coil spring fronts had the same problem. It was caused by the track bar bushings wearing and the sloppy fit of the bushing allowed the track bar to move side to side, which allows the axle to do the same thing (the track bars on use is to keep the axle from moving side to side). On the 1/2 ton trucks the fix was to replace the track bar bushings with heavy duty upgraded versions. As of this date FMC is still investigating if this fix will work on the 05-07 SD and no upgraded bushings have been produced by FMC to date.

Now if you have at least a 4-inch lift on an 05-07 SD you can istall the dual opposed steering stabilizer and it should help to some extent but is still a band aid. The real solution is to find a way to keep the track bar in its proper location at all times.

 

I give up. Here is the latest I received from either John or Mr. John who alleges to be the CEO of Shockwarehouse. com. I received my fornt shocks from him. If he is a sponsor, as it says to the left of this forum, perhaps he can address the matter. I give up. Sounds to me like Bilstein gives up on SD trucks also: (This is a message I just received from Shockwarehouse: "Bilstein does not make steering stabilizers for this vehicle nor do they
make them for trucks anymore so there is no way I told you that. Rancho,
KYB, Monroe do make them though."

WE sent you a stabilizer from Rancho that costs us more than you paid for
because I was trying to do you right.)

 

Now, for the gurus:

What do we do next. My message above says, no more Bilsteins. Anyone know anything different?????

 

what about donahoe racing. they make their own shocks. they used to use the bilsteins. supposedly, they are better that them. and i know that they make them still.

 

Seems like the DR stabilizer shocks are for use with their dual kit. They won't fit as an OEM replacement.

I'm guessing that the dual kit will probably have the same issue as I described (above) if your truck is stock.

 

I finally had enough and went back to the tire dealer, he suggested I get wider rims for the 325/60/18. I'm not getting new rims for a work truck, he said he would change the tire to the same goodyears but 275/70/18's because the tires are only 2 weeks old. I have had enough of the the truck shaking when going over 60mph, it actually gets to the point that if I go over 70mph the mirrors shake. Also the tires were rebalanced 4 times since i got them 2 weeks ago and every time it's about the same. Hopefully tomorrow the tires come and no more shaking. I'm still going to put the rancho single piston stabilizer in just to get alittle stiffer steering.