2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Heads Up! Potential steering danger!

[keimmmo]

Driving home last night a dog about the size of a Grizzly Bear darted out in front of me. I didn't even have time to react before hitting him. Everything felt fine, so I kept on driving.



When I slowed down to turn off the highway, the steering wheel would turn only about 1/2 turn to the right and felt like it hit something solid! Investigation revealed the impact with the dog bent the steering stabilizer. (Like a shock absober on the front axle)



That shock sets low. If it gets bent, you can turn left, but not right. If you ever hit anything with the front end, I really recomment you pull over and test your steering!!! Nothing happened to me, but this could have caused a major accident!!!



I hope my experience will save someone else from an accident.



Steve

 

[Theconcreteguy]

thanks









the concrete guy

 

[duaneparks]

BTDT, but hit a rock while offroading instead of a dog. Didn't notice it as much until I needed to turn right. Replaced that bad boy with a Rancho and all was good.



Duane

 

[keimmmo]

I have been planning to replace mine before long with a heavy duty. But, I am in central Mexico and such a piece just doesn't exist! I found one today from a 1/2 ton Ramcharger. I will have to reuse my stud where it mounts into the steering, but that isn't a big deal if it will put me back on the road in good shape! It cost under $30, so the price was quite fair as well. It appears to be about the same size and quality as original.



Steve

 

[Newf Limo]

A dog the size of a bear? Sounds like a Newfoundland. You didn't stop?

 

[keimmmo]

At 60 miles per hour in the night I didn't get a very good look at it. I would say it was every bit the size of a Sheep Dog but "fuzzy" like a Chow or Husky. It was heavy enough that I felt the impact!



No, I didn't bother to stop. Stopping on the road at night in Mexico can be dangerous. Besides, I really didn't figure there was much left of him.



Steve

 

[Jack in Alaska]

Stabilizer

Steve,

I am glad you hit that sucker and cleared the road for me.

We are headed your way next week. Going to Cancun/Belize through McAllen, Tex. from Alaska

I just replaced my stabilizer with a new Rancho. Wish now I would have kept the old one for a spare. You can run without one in an emergency though.