I just picked up this truck, its a 1978 Ford F150 Ranger 4wd with a 351M and a 4 speed, it's been lifted and has 4 steering stabilizers...I've never seen this. Dual stabilizers yes, but never 4. Is this helping me at all?

 

No, that was just to pull ***** during mall crawling back in 1987.

What is cool in 4wd trucks usually mimics what is cool in truck racing. IE, the current trend towards baja style desert stuff, and the current trend of seeing remote resevoir shocks, big aluminum front skid plates, tube style bumpers, big lights on the bumpers, etc.

But back in the 80's, truck racing meant monster trucks. And monster trucks were still an evolving art form. Big leaf springs were used to mount those big axles and big tires, and since bigger was better and shock technology hadn't yet evolved, they ended up using 4 shock absorbers (or so) per wheel to try and help control the 10,000 lb trucks as they started to get airborn. This became cool, and soon every hillbilly jonny was rolling around with his triple roll bar with KC daylighters on top, and 4 shocks per wheel, and as many shocks on his steering stabilizer as he could rig up. Extra points were for all the neon shock boots.

I'm glad those days are gone.

One steering stabilizer is fine. I'd fine out which one looks the sturdiest and take the other 3 off. They aren't doing anything, although they may have been installed to help mask some sort of problem, but a steering stabilizer really isn't the solution to any problem.

 

The only thing a stabilizer should be used for is to help with bumpsteer...and if that's not an issue, you don't need any at all. Stabilizers are by far the most prescribed fix for any front end issues...but in the end, the stabilizer is just a band aid and the issue will come back stronger and harder once the stabilizer(s) can't compensate anymore.

 

I'm thinking with 4 shocks youre probably putting more strain on all your power steering equipment, too. And regarding the above, FIXING the bumpsteer is always a better option! drop pitman arm, new drag link, full crossover, whatever it takes. And good god, seriously, you could probably do a full crossover set up for the price and hassle of fabricating FOUR steering stabilizers on there!

 

Thanks guys I'll look into upgrading the steering.