Hello all, going to get bilstein shocks and possibly 2 steering stabilizers for the front end. The steering wheel has a slight tilt off center and i can feel the "wobble" through the steering wheel like we all know about. Just wanted some advice on putting the shocks and stabilizers on first then an alignment, or shouldn't that matter much? Thank you, Al.

 

Do the work first, if your shocks are even slightly worn, doing an alignment then changing the shocks will probably effect that alignment, So put the new parts in then get the alignment. At least that's what I'd do

 

I have only 7,000 miles on it, but handles the bumps badly with the rancho shocks and the best buy stabalizer ford put on. Thanks penner.

 

CRAZYRWE:
I looked at your profile and see you have a 2007 F-250. As far as I know, you only have one stabilizer unless your truck is lifted. Billstein does not make the stabilizer so get a monroe or a good brand from whomever you are buying the shocks.

My personal experience on a 2005 F-350 was a three point repair: Add air to recommneded pressure. Second, replace front and rear shocks with Billsteins. And finally, I replaced the stabilizer.

After that I had a good solid ride, nothing to complain about, so I bot a 2008 F-350, and did I make the right decision! Good luck. Death wobble no fun, no fun at all.

 

I don't have any experience with lifted trucks, but I've never known of a standard (non air or boost) shock absorber or steering stabilizer replacement to affect alignment. Ball joints or steering components are another matter, however. Also, could the "wheel wobble" be due to warped rotors?

 

whjco:

There are many posts in this forum about the death wobble. If you click on TSB's above you can see what Ford has to say. I do not think we want to reinvent the wheel. In my mind the problem is solveable with what is written in this forum, and as in the technical service bulletins released by FORD.

With such demonstrable evidence, I do not think we need to do any more what if's, as solutions verified by many are here for your reading and understanding. If you got it, you know it, and you will want to fix it, and the fix is described herein.

 

Rmosso1, you said (after that I had a good solid ride, nothing to complain about, so I bot a 2008 F-350, and did I make the right decision!) rmosso1, thanks for the reply,does the 2008 have a different setup to fix the wobble? Also,what brand steering stabalizer did you use and would you recommend 2 stabalizers? No, it's a stock f250, no lift at all.

 

crazyrwe:
I just came in from cleaning up my garage. A real guys garage with a 10,500 watt Lincoln and a Lincoln MIG welder with gas, true MIG. POINT. If you have the wide track, the suspension is entirely different on the front than my 2005, as I have the wide track on my 2008. I greased the U joints on the front this weekend. I'm getting old, at 65, but the suspension is not like my 2005. More like a torsion bar suspension on the back of an old Kenworth K-100.

When I fixed my 2005 problem I first had the RANCHO stock shocks. I don't do any mechanical mods, other than a grille hood on my 2008 for snow. The rancho shocks are no good, and should be replaced asap. BILLSTEIN as I learned from this forum, and from my personal experience is what you want for FRONT shcks and REAR shocks. BILLSTEIN, dba as SHOCK WAREHOUSE is a sponsor here, and if you use the link above, you will get a 5% discount. They are good people; however, BILLSTEIN does not make the front stabilizer, vibration damptner or whatever you want to call it, and the best, as far as I know is MONROE for the STABILIZER.

Regarding the question about two (2) stabalizers, you don't need them. Read what other guys have said, and you will only get yourself into more trouble by trying to add a second.

POINT: ONE, check air pressure: TWO: replace front and rear shocks. THREE: replace stabilizer and you got a good solid ride.

 

Thank you again rmosso1 for the advise. I have read nothing but good things on bilstein shocks. It's a wonder why they don't make the stabalizer also. I had put rancho's on my 1994 f 150 back in the day and they rode pretty well, but they are terrible on this 250. I always keep my tires at 65 psi, the door rating.

 

I just looked at your vehicle with a V-10. Love that color. FROM memory, I do not think there as many problems with the V10 and death wobble as with the 6.0. So to me that means more weight up front causes the problem.

To protect your investment in trailer and family, best bet is to change out the shocks. I kept my old RANCHO's from my 2005. Someday I will get a notice from FORD about a recall, and I think I will send them in!!!!

 

rmosso1, can you please tell me where i can click on that sponsor for the bilstein shocks here, thank you.

 

Monroe makes the factory 'Ford' steering stabilizer...that's why I will be going with a different brand - KYB, Rancho, or Pro Comp, etc...

 

At the top of the page you can find this link. They are a sponsor. If you tell 'em you saw it here, they give you a 5% discount, plus, unless they have changed, no sales tax, plus, I think they pay freight:


Bilstein - KYB - Rancho - Monroe - Edelbrock Automotive Truck Shocks and Struts - Shockwarehouse.com

Many of us have had a good experience with this company. Good luck.http:

Bilstein - KYB - Rancho - Monroe - Edelbrock Automotive Truck Shocks and Struts - Shockwarehouse.com

I guess you are not allowed to post an internet address. I did it three times and it would not stay, but click on SHOCK WAREHOUSE at the top of this page. If that doesn't work, send me an email and I will send you the address.