Changing Steering Stabilizer

[MuddFlapp]

I'm getting ready to change my Steering Stabilizer and I've read some posts about it being hard to get off. How about some advice and experiences from those that have. Also could use a part # for a Skyjacker OEM Steering Stabilizer.



Thanks, Gene Earl.

 

[Dieselnerd]

I recently replaced my steering stabilizer with a Skyjacker OEM replacement. The part number is SK 7007. The tapered bolt is a real hard thing to get out. The Skyjacker has a separate tapered bolt with eyes on each end of the stabilizer so once you get the OEM out you won't have to take the tapered bolt out again to replace the stabilizer. I could not get it out with anything I had at home including a pickle and hammer. I went to this forum for help and was told by several guys to get a NAPA pitman arm puller. Well that got it out. After applying a lot of pressure with the puller tightened as tight as I could get it with a wrench, I gave it a little tap with a hammer and it actually came out with a loud bang. That little sucker was really in there. The work area is really tight and the track bar is very close but with the NAPA puller you have just enough room to get in there.

 

[MuddFlapp]

Thanks Ron, I was wondering if a ball joint pickle fork would work, guess I'll cruz by Napa & pick up a puller.



Gene Earl

 

[HomerDog]

The stabilizer is a bear to get off. I had tried with everything I had to get it off. Finally, I moved some parts and used a picle fork and air hammer. It popped off. Good luck. I installed the RS900 and it works pretty good. However, I need a bunch of other front end work. Look for future posts.....



Dave

 

[HomerDog]

About my previous post, I installed the Rancho RS5000 Steering stabilizer. Also, the pickle fork should work, when it wants to pop off it will



Dave

 

[o_mccarroll]

The stock stabilizer pops right out with a pickle fork... but the Rancho RS5000 stabilizer WILL NOT fit on the 2001. The tapered bolt is the wrong size. It may not fit the 2000s either, but I'm not sure on that.

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by o_mccarroll

The stock stabilizer pops right out with a pickle fork... but the Rancho RS5000 stabilizer WILL NOT fit on the 2001. The tapered bolt is the wrong size. It may not fit the 2000s either, but I'm not sure on that.

For some reason, Rancho uses two different sized bushings. Man at Autozone swapped with another unit and my install went fine after.



Of course, I now can't remember if I changed the mounting stud; I do remember having several parts left over from the install on my '98.



Fest3er

 

[KatDiesel]

Originally posted by o_mccarroll

The stock stabilizer pops right out with a pickle fork... but the Rancho RS5000 stabilizer WILL NOT fit on the 2001. The tapered bolt is the wrong size. It may not fit the 2000s either, but I'm not sure on that.

You sure about that? I have RS5404 steering stabalizer on my truck. Its not listed as "fitting" anything over 1999 but it does fit with no problems.

 

[o_mccarroll]

fest3er & katdiesel:



Hmm... I don't know what the deal is. 4 Wheel Parts looked the part up in their catalog and said that Rancho doesn't list any stabilizers for trucks after '99. They sold me the one for the '99 and under anyway thinking that it would probably work. Well, once I finally got the OEM stabilizer off (and that wasn't fun) I put the new tapered bolt in and it was too thick and too short. I told my story to 4 Wheel Parts, but they were no help. Their answer to the wrong bolt size problem was "use the OEM bolt, dummy!" I just could not seem to get it across to them that the OEM stabilizer has the bolt pressed in... Doesn't inspire much confidence in their knowledge of simple suspension products After explaining the whole story to them, they said "well, let's get the mechanic out there to look at it. " He diagnosed the problem the same way I did, and then said they could "rig it up" for $40. I had no confidence in them and just asked for a refund on the stabilizer.



Anyway, to keep a long story from becoming any longer, I may have to do a little more research. I'm glad to hear you guys made the Rancho work. I'm still stuck with the OEM

 

[.44 mag]

Sounds like you folks think the OEM unit isn't worth a darn. My truck is still new, but I'm watching these posts to learn what I can about the things out there that work well. Are the aftermarket Skyjacker units a notable better product? Would I notice it if I was to replace the stock one at this point?

Thanks.



Hank

 

[Dieselnerd]

Hank:

All I can say is the Skyjacker is at least twice as thick. The OEM one looks like a screen door closer. That being said, I can't say that I notice any difference while driving but I haven't been off road with it yet. It may be better there. I changed mine because at over 60,000 miles I replaced all the shocks with Rancho 9000's and thought I should also replace the stabilizer. Now as for the shocks? Yes, a whole world of difference. From what I understand, most guys change the stabilizer when they change shocks unless it's damaged or gets the "Death Wobble. "