Shocks and Steering
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Shocks and Steering
Looking to replace my crusty stock steering stabilizer and need some advice. I know that most around here like the Blisten 5100 shocks. Where do you turn to for your steering stabilizer? I'm running 285/75r16 Nitto Terra Grappler tires and want to keep just the single stabilizer with stock mount (unless there are suggestions for a better setup). Brand names and model type would be GREAT!!!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 1
From: Middleburg, FL
The steering stabilizer dampens the feedback through the steering wheel when you hit bumps, holes, or uneven surfaces. The larger the tire, the bigger the moment arm and the more feedback you get through the steering. I have the stock tires on my truck but still went with the ICON dual stabilizer bracket with Bilstein 5100 shocks. It made a world of difference to my steering. The steering wheel now returns to center by itself after turning whereas before I had to pull the steering wheel back to center. I was also starting to get some feedback through my steering wheel and that is all gone now. Worth every penny to me. I have some photos of the install in my gallery. The photos are at the bottom of the gallery since this is the most recent mod I've done to the ole' girl. By the way, installation was very easy.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 365
Likes: 4
From: Round Rock, TX
I have 265/75/16 tires on my F250. You really don't need to mess with dual stabilizers until you're getting up in the 35+ range. Sure they might help a bit, but if you're still running the same stabilizer that came from the factory in 03, ANYTHING is going to be a huge difference.
I just replaced mine with a Monroe from Advance Auto Parts. It was something like $30, took 10 minutes to bolt in place, was larger than the factory stabilizer, and made a HUGE difference in bump steer and just overall driving quality.
I wouldn't worry about this decision too much, anything will make a big difference on an 03.
I just replaced mine with a Monroe from Advance Auto Parts. It was something like $30, took 10 minutes to bolt in place, was larger than the factory stabilizer, and made a HUGE difference in bump steer and just overall driving quality.
I wouldn't worry about this decision too much, anything will make a big difference on an 03.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,519
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From: Wyandotte, Michigan
I have the stock tires on my truck but still went with the ICON dual stabilizer bracket with Bilstein 5100 shocks. It made a world of difference to my steering. The steering wheel now returns to center by itself after turning whereas before I had to pull the steering wheel back to center.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 83
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The steering stabilizer dampens the feedback through the steering wheel when you hit bumps, holes, or uneven surfaces. The larger the tire, the bigger the moment arm and the more feedback you get through the steering. I have the stock tires on my truck but still went with the ICON dual stabilizer bracket with Bilstein 5100 shocks. It made a world of difference to my steering. The steering wheel now returns to center by itself after turning whereas before I had to pull the steering wheel back to center. I was also starting to get some feedback through my steering wheel and that is all gone now. Worth every penny to me. I have some photos of the install in my gallery. The photos are at the bottom of the gallery since this is the most recent mod I've done to the ole' girl. By the way, installation was very easy.
My truck has had this problem for months and it has been attributed to stiff ball joints.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 537
Likes: 17
From: Linden USA
A regular steering stabilizer will not aid in returning the steering to center. I have seen aftermarket steering stabilizers in a magazine with a spring on them, that would help keep the wheels centered and then either push or pull on the spring when you turn. Never seen one on a vehicle, or known anyone to use them though. If the caster and camber is set correctly, and the ball joints are not too tight, it should return to center.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 1
From: Middleburg, FL
All I can say is the only change before and after was the stock steering stabilizer was deleted and dual setup installed. Everything else remained the same. Now maybe the crappy stock stabilizer was the problem but regardless, I'm a happy camper with the setup I now have.