Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Steering stabilizer

[DavidGardner]

Just got back from oil and filter change at Dodge dealer. The service manager said the mechanic who did the work said I was missing the steering stabilizer. Said the bolt holes were there and looked real dirty so must have been gone for a long time. My truck is a 95 standard cab with 2 wd. I never noticed if I had one or not. Did the two wheel drives come with a steering stabilizer? My truck has over 195,000 miles and drives great. The front endc alignment has been check several times but never needed adjustment. I get close to 75,000 miles out of a set of tires. Should I be concerned?

 

[RHebert]

Now you know why I stay away from the dealers and do all my mechanic work myself. 195,000 miles and some mechanic suddenly decides you're missing a steering stabilizer - amazing. My 96 2WD with 180,000 miles also is missing a steering stabilizer and holds the road straight and true. It never had one and as long as you keep the front end greased and on the highway, won't need one. It won't hurt to put one on, but at 195,000 miles I wouldn't bother - just keep driving and see what happpens when you get to 295,000 miles.

 

[DavidGardner]

Ya I know enough to stay away from dealers. The reason I go there is because when I bought the truck in April of 95 for an extra 360 bucks they would include lifetime oil, lube and filter change every 3 months or every 3000 miles. Boy are they sorry now. I plan on keeping this trk for at least 300k or more. The service manager said they figure it cost them at least 50 bucks every time. Needless to say they dont offer them on Cummins trucks any more. Usualy if they find a worn belt or leak or anything else that needs fixing I say "thanks for letting me know" and I do it myself.