Would Steering Stabilizer Help?
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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Would Steering Stabilizer Help?
This might be a dumb question, but was curious to know if a steering stabilizer would help combat side winds? I understand their purpose when hitting such things as pot holes, etc. in combating the twisting action on a steering wheel. But was curioius to know if they also assisted in countering acting the force that a side wind places on a vehicle and deter the tendency to force the truck in to the next lane. Thanks in advance for any opinion or experience on this
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Orange County, NY
Would Steering Stabilizer Help?
The steering stabilizer, shocks, and available options such as front and rear stabilizer bars all assist in the handling under various conditions including wind push. Your 03' SD comes equipped with a steering stabilizer. (looks like horizontal shock absorber under/in front of/ and attached to steering linkage/tie rods) and is easily visible under front of vehicle.
I replaced my stock shocks with Bilsteins shortly after delivery. The handling/ride is substantially better under ALL conditions. Others in this forum have similar substantial improvements with Rancho, & Edelbrock. I also plan on replacing the stock steering stabilizer in the near future with Rancho.
Many have also found that decreasing tire pressure also improves ride & handling. I run 50psi front and 55psi rear when empty/solo.
Hope this helps....
I replaced my stock shocks with Bilsteins shortly after delivery. The handling/ride is substantially better under ALL conditions. Others in this forum have similar substantial improvements with Rancho, & Edelbrock. I also plan on replacing the stock steering stabilizer in the near future with Rancho.
Many have also found that decreasing tire pressure also improves ride & handling. I run 50psi front and 55psi rear when empty/solo.
Hope this helps....
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Junior User
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Would Steering Stabilizer Help?
Thanks for the feedback. My 03 isn't the off-road edition, so it didn't come with the steering stabilizer, but have been thinking of having it added for this reason.
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Junior User
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Would Steering Stabilizer Help?
What would be an average cost for parts and labor for this? I know this is sensitive to regional labor costs, but was just curious to know before I started to get estimates. Thanks for your help on this
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: USA
Would Steering Stabilizer Help?
I have a rancho steering stabilizer on the front of my truck. Cost was right at $100 bucks for the kit. My rig didn't have a stock unit so I needed the whole kit. I only took about 45mins to install myself. Not sure of installation price, but you only need basic tools to do the job. Just save the money and do it yourself.
Will-
Will-
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Junior User
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Would Steering Stabilizer Help?
Cool...will do. Another quick question then. Is it harder to turn after it is installed? In other words, does it require more pressure on the steering wheel to make a turn?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: USA
Would Steering Stabilizer Help?
I don't think so. Well I did not notice any difference in the feel of the steering after the install. It will help fix the wandering that the truck does on its own.
Good Luck, let us know how it goes.
Will-
Good Luck, let us know how it goes.
Will-
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Will definitely share how it does as soon as I get it done.
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Would Steering Stabilizer Help?
On the 03, the steering stabilizer comes as an option or as a part of a package (i.e., the 4x4 Off-Road has it as a part of its package deal). Rancho, which gets high marks on this forum, has a website page (http://www.gorancho.com/dealer_locator/wherecanibuy.stm) that will tell you the dealers local to your area that carry them. Good luck
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From: Orange County, NY
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Herndon, Pa
Would Steering Stabilizer Help?
Originally posted by Mizzou
What is a good aftermarket kit to get seeing as how mine doesn't have one and I can tell with the larger tires.
What is a good aftermarket kit to get seeing as how mine doesn't have one and I can tell with the larger tires.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: IN FRONT OF YOU
Would Steering Stabilizer Help?
Yup I run the dual Rancho, except the road salt is killing them, When spring get's here I think I will buy all new Bilstiens and run them in the summer only, I hate rust!!!!
I think there is a pic in my gallery if I still have one.
I think there is a pic in my gallery if I still have one.