Does a steering stabilizer really help?

[TeamExploder]

My 94 drives alright but when hitting bumps or dips in the road the steering does tend to pull in whatever direction, (I know its not suppose to drive like a cadillac) it has had an alignment and everything so I was thinking maybe adding a steering stabilizer would help but would like to hear from others as to if it has helped you. I think James Duff makes a kit and maybe Rancho, still need to research that.

 

[NMB2]

waste of money. if its strong enough to pull your steering enough to bother you. Its not going to fix it.

 

[TeamExploder]

It doesn't bother me, just wanted to see if I could improve it any.

 

[adsm08]

You sir have bump steer. Set your tire pressures to the correct spec (35 PSI) and then find and replace your worn out ball joint, tie rods, and or pitman arm and tighten up your wheel bearings to take all the play out of your steering system.


Steering stabilizers only help to hide existing problems, unless you have 6 inches of lift and +35 inch tires.

 

[TeamExploder]

I have the tire pressure set at 33psi. I'll do a steering and suspension evaluation. Shocks come this week so will look at it when the weather allows. Thanks

 

[ranger]

i have 7inches of lift and 33's on my 88 ranger and the steering stabilizer helps.

 

[adsm08]

i have 7inches of lift and 33's on my 88 ranger and the steering stabilizer helps.

You also have a setup that actually needs a stabilizer. In stock form they should be unnecessary.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

You also have a setup that actually needs a stabilizer. In stock form they should be unnecessary.

The OP's Explorer have 6" of lift and 33's... Still, it would be more beneficial to attempt to fix the bumpsteer by correctly aligning the tie rods (I know it wont be perfect) than to hide it with a steering sabilizer...

 

[TeamExploder]

Thanks for the information, I will fix what needs attention first and see how she does but before I bought the truck the owner had an aligment done at a 4wd shop in his town so everything might be ok. But probably still get a stabilizer James Duff sells the kit and stabilizer for around 60 something so its a cheap mod for helping maintain good steering.

 

[adsm08]

The OP's Explorer have 6" of lift and 33's... Still, it would be more beneficial to attempt to fix the bumpsteer by correctly aligning the tie rods (I know it wont be perfect) than to hide it with a steering sabilizer...

Well roll me in creosote and set me on fire, he does. A stabilizer might be in order, but ONLY if all of his front end parts are nice and tight. 6" usually shouldn't need a stabilizer.

 

[The Jester Race]

Short answer is yes. But they are often used as a bandaid to cover up worn out steering components or bad steering geometry. Larger tires(over stock) put more leverage on your steering and suspension components, and tend to exaggerate every bump and pothole in the road.

Post a picture of the steering setup.

-Jester

 

[TeamExploder]

I will post a picture of the steering tomorrow.

 

[8879ford]

i have one cause they do help stop bump steer.....or at least weakeen it

 

[TeamExploder]

Here are pictures of the steering setup. I've IFS for so long but this all looks correct to me.

 

[99RangerKrazy]

That's some pretty bad steering geometry. The tie rod should be completely horizontal/parallel to the axle beam. Do you have the FA600 pitman arm? It doesn't really look like it. If you don't, getting that would help. However, you may need to upgrade to a new steering set up, like the Stonecrusher steering.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

Ooh... No wonder you have bumpsteer... This article explains it all very well...

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/winter2008/steering_tech.htm

 

[TeamExploder]

Thanks....no wonder I am having steering issues....Guess its time to call skyjacker and see if they still sell the parts.

 

[TeamExploder]

Talked to skyjacker and they said I need FA400, said that FA600 was only sold for 8inch kits.

 

[TeamExploder]

Went to the local 4wd shop and ordered one. Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[CountryBoy78]

Here are pictures of the steering setup. I've IFS for so long but this all looks correct to me.

Hey are you going to do something about your front swaybar???

That thing is maxed out, does your front end have any flex??
I would try to lower the front swaybar mounts or take it off so you can get the front end to flex.
Is that a skyjacker lift or the 5.5 superlift?