Steering Stabilizer... yay or nay?

[kbeefy]

2004 E350, weldtec 5" king ding a ling kit. 2wd.


Let me start by saying I've had ALOT of modified suspensions, and I view stabilizers as a crutch or a band-aid for other issues.


I just installed the Weldtec BGG kit on my 2004 E350, complete with extended arms, fox shocks and full rear springs. Before installation I replaced anything that was worn and the van drove great.



I got the Alignment today and it drives fine. I haven't noticed any bumpsteer,, death wobble, or slop. I drove 70 miles home from the alignment shop at 70+ mph with one finger on the wheel.


I haven't driven on too many bumpy, rutted roads yet.


Weldtec sold me their steering stabilizer kit even though I didn't ask for it, I haven't installed it yet.



Does anyone know if I would notice any difference with the stabilizer kit installed on a van with no noticeable steering issues? The kit is $400 and I don't want to put it on if it doesn't change anything.

 

[Lunatickn]

1) Have experienced death wobble / head shake but mostly due to overheated brakes coming off of some CO mountain passes. (Express not E-series).


2) You already have the kit.


3) Have read that E-series is perhaps more prone to death wobble than Express.


4) $400 + cost of stabilizer isn't a stretch for you.


5) I have read about stabilizer helping even in a brake-induced death wobble.


Assuming all of those things are accurate, I would do it. Relatively cheap extra safety margin.




** Notice I use the term "head shake" which is typically reserved for motorcycles. I have been in some seriously hairy situations on a motorcycle and the van head shaking coming off a CO pass is easily the most butt-clenching experience I can recall.

 

[mikracer]

2wd should never experience death wobble. If you like the way it drives now, I'm guessing you wont feel a difference with it installed other than possibly having a little firmer steering.

 

[Twoxentrix]

If you've already paid for & received the kit, I can't think of any reason which would suggest installation would be counterproductive - Or are you contemplating just returning it for a refund???

 

[kbeefy]

Yeah, thinking about trying to return it.

 

[Twoxentrix]

You've already incurred the 'cost', so I'd install them since it looks like you're going to a little larger tire (at least in width when i look at the new shoes you just received).

 

[Youngster]

About 7 years ago I had Weldtec install the exact same upgrades on my 2003 E350, with custom leafs in back to even it out. He used it for a DYI install video.

I asked Jeremy if I needed a steering stabilizer, he said "NO".
He said 2WD does not need it and discouraged me from having them install one.
I have never needed it.
Never had a driving experience where I wished I had one.

YMMV

Money well spent on the lift, leafs and Fox shocks. One and done.

 

[vlamgat]

The big value added of a steering stabilizer is in the event of a front end blow out - can be a life saver especially if you don't go to gas quickly enough or too much.