Steering Stabilizer

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Feb 26, 2008 | 08:40 AM

ibuzzard

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See A Man About A Horse

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From: Mariposa, Ca.

Steering Stabilizer

Several of the suppliers show a steering stabilizer,which amounts to a damper,or shock absorber,that attaches between the front axle and the connecting rod tube.They claim it helps "stabilize the steering system"...and..."can also help in the prevention of Bump Steer".
Has anyone installed one of these on their 57-60 trucks?Was it effective,and if so,was the improvement dramatic or subtle?Was it money well spent?Thanks,Steve.

Feb 26, 2008 | 08:56 AM

GreatNorthWoods

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From: Littleton, New Hampshire

Haven't used one on a truck. Did try one on a straight axle under a 31 Plymouth and a 32 Ford years ago. I don't see how a steering stabilizer can help bump steer but it might help a shimmy if you have one. It's not much more than a band-aid fix however. If you have some kind of suspension problem the stabilizer will not solve it. I had a shimmy in those old cars and the stabilizer helped with that but otherwise it wasn't much help...

Feb 26, 2008 | 09:28 AM

ibuzzard

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From: Mariposa, Ca.

Thanks,GNW.I don't have any apparent problems-Steering is tight,with no death wobble,and no slop,but still a little of the bump steer when hitting a pothole.Just wondering if it really helps with that.Since posting,I did a search and found a few threads on it,but no one really states if there's a definite reduction in bump steer.Steve.

Feb 26, 2008 | 09:54 AM

mtflat

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From: Kalispell, MT

I agree that if your system is 'right' you don't need a stabilizer.

fwiw, I've found that when hitting a bump I have a tendency to pull the truck off-line. If you relax your hold on the wheel when you hit something the truck tends to straighten itself out quicker. Try it on an empty road - might surprise you. Just my experience, don't try this at home, etc, etc.

Feb 26, 2008 | 10:34 PM

ditz

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I also kind of agree that if your geometry is correct that a stabilizer should not be needed. BUTTTTTT!!!!!! There sure are a lot of cars and trucks coming right off of the production lines that have stabilizers. There must be a good reason for this. I would not hesitate to use one on my vehicles.

Feb 27, 2008 | 12:31 PM

manglass

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I have one on my '58 F-100. It cleared up a shimmy and made transition over road surface irregularities much smoother. All this with bias ply tires. In general, I thought it helped the good condition stock steering a lot.

Lou Manglass

Jul 19, 2008 | 01:36 PM

ibuzzard

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From: Mariposa, Ca.

Steering stabilizer update

I installed mine about 6-8 weeks ago,on my '59 F250.The alignment is within specs,all front end components are tight,including new king pins within the last 5000 miles.There is a noticeable improvement.I am now commuting 60-70 miles a day,about half on twisty mountain roads,about half on freeways,The steering feels slightly "tighter,but the main improvement is in the decreased jumping around as the wheels travel over imperfections in the road.Also,less "wander" from side to side.To me it is well worth the approximate hundred dollars and hour plus that I invested.My advice for anyone considering this,or any other upgrade is to speak with someone who's done it on the same vehicle as the one you drive,as you will likely gain similar results,as opposed to the same upgrade on a different year /type of vehicle.That may count for the differences in results,and is tantamount to comparing apples to oranges.A very worthwhile upgrade,and thanks for the recommendation,Manglass.Steve.