Steering Stabilizer Info.

[ehc0720]

Thanks Pete.
I added the steering stabilizer yesterday, got the brackets from the Ford dealer, the shock from NAPA and 3 case hard bolts from ACE (I don't have a tap-n-die set). Fixed my wandering and steering wheel shimming, much smoother feel on the highway, around corners and over bumps, I highly recommend it, this is on my 2WD SMB not a 4WD though. Going camping this weekend will see how it is in the high winds across the desert.
I bought this used 2 mo ago (2004 EB 5.4L, 45K mi). Before the stabilizer parts came in I took the van to a suspension/alignment shop and they found absolutely nothing wrong with the front end, brakes, shocks, etc, (real nice guy there, and didn't charge me). He said it looked as good as new but that who ever did the last brake job did a lousy job at turning the front rotors and suggested that it be redone. He didn't think the stabilizer would make too much difference (he siad it was part of the ambulance pkge), I guess I'm too use to cars, not trucks and vans, but I like it much better now.

[Pete]

Glad it worked out well for you, I'm super stoked on how it is working out for me, although I think it is possible that the alignment had almost as much to do with it as the stabilizer. Both together made a bit difference though.

[ANZAC]

Originally Posted by Pete

In my search for a solution for my wandering front end, I found this solution. I ordered the parts today, and will post up with my results, I have high hopes, so hope it delivers. If anyone else does a search, I thought I would point them the right direction for what seems to be a great solution.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/10356 ... g-fix.html

This looks like a good mod, I'm going to summarize the parts list here, because it is spread all over their thread:

Chassis bracket Ford F2UZ-3E652B
Drag link bracket Ford F2UZ-3E652A (includes U bolts and U bolt nuts)
Nut, drag link bracket Ford N806085 S441 (M12x1.75)
Bolts, chassis bracket Ford W611645-S439 Qty 3 (M10x1.5x25 - frame to be tapped M10 x 1.5)
Bolt, damper to chassis bracket Ford N605704-S439 (M12 X 63 hardened)
Lock nut and washer, damper to chassis bracket Ford N806496-S441 (M12 hardened)
Damper Monroe # SC2955 (NAPA/Amazon)
or Ford F7UZ-3E651AB
or Bilstein BSN-24-174534 (5100 series stabilizer, SummitRacing.com)

I use FordPartsGiant.com a lot for Ford stuff.

[ANZAC]

Here's a question, I think my current steering damper is a Rancho, probably the equivalent of the Monroe. I am torn between getting the Monroe or getting the Bilstein for this additional damper, worried that having the existing damper + the Bilstein might be overdamped.... (plus the Bilstein is more expensive)

Thoughts?

[Ford_6L_E350]

I have dual steering stabilizer in addition to the Ford stabilizer. Cannot feel the difference between 1 and 3 stabilizers.

Mike

[Pete]

As you can see in my photo, I kept the original damper, in addition to the one I added. Seems like a good setup to me.

[ANZAC]

Btw Ford required a minimum order of 4 for some of the hardware (damper bolt and nuts) so I will have 3 sets spare.

[ANZAC]

I have 3 spare sets of the following hardware available, send me a PM if interested.
(few bucks + shipping though I haven't added the prices up)

Nut, drag link bracket Ford N806085 S441 (M12x1.75)
Bolt, damper to chassis bracket Ford N605704-S439 (M12 X 63 hardened)
Lock nut and washer, damper to chassis bracket Ford N806496-S441 (M12 hardened)

[macmcintire]

I had a lot of play in my steering when I bought my used SMB. It was scary to drive as it swayed all over the road. Once I installed these it now drives very well:

[Pete]

Mac, I liked the Roadmaster stabilizer idea, but I couldn't figure out how to get the right application for my vehicle, since it is 4x4. Roadmaster was not much help, and the local shop wanted me to buy one to special order it, no returns.

After a hearty weekend of four wheelin in Anza Borrego, my added stabilizer is now clearly hitting the steering control arm. Not sure how hard, or if it will be a serious problem, need to analyze it a bit more, but not the ideal outcome for me.