was under my truck tonight and noticed...

[shendren]

the shock absorber thing that runs left to right was moving when the wheel was turning. it was not only moving left to right, it was twisting along its own axis.



A. what is this thing called?

B. is this movement normal?



i am much more in tune with what moves and how now that i am a tdr member!!



thanks for any input.

scott.

 

[LMautone]

that would be your steering stabilyzer. yes it moves

 

[shendren]

thanks. i know the plunger is supposed to move. but is it supposed to rotate along its own axis? thanks.

 

[M Barnett]

I don't think it should rotate. Doesn't it clamp to the rod to hold it in place? Replaceing mine today with a Rancho.

Michael

 

[me4osu]

I have always wondered: how do you know when it fails? Does the truck start wandering or does it start vibrating the steering wheel??

 

[duaneparks]

Originally posted by me4osu

I have always wondered: how do you know when it fails? Does the truck start wandering or does it start vibrating the steering wheel??

When I crushed the one on my last Ram on a rock, it simply quit damping. That translated to more kickback in the steering wheel from bumps and what-not. In more extreme cases, I suppose it could develop a steering wobble. At any rate, the stock one is inferior to the Rancho units, IMHO.



Hope that helps.

 

[Matt42]

Steering Stabilizer

It fails within about six blocks of the dealer when you take delivery. Well, not really that bad. I replaced mine with a Rancho at 24K miles, and wished I had done so so much sooner.

 

[azcummins]

how hard is replacing the steering stablizer? Do you just unbolt it and pop the new one in?

 

[M Barnett]

azcummins, yes, its just a bolt on affair. Today I put Rancho 9000 shocks and the stabilizer on and what a difference it made. Wish I hadn't waited so long.

M Barnett

 

[azcummins]

Cool-

the list of things to do to my truck just keeps getting bigger... Oo.

 

[TKemper]

azcummins The only trouble I had replacing mine was the tapered stud that goes into the steering linkage was a bear to get out. I don't believe the stock stud will work with the Rancho SS..... somebody correct me if I'm wrong. It was a couple of years ago when I did it. Todd

 

[pathaymond]

I am going to replace mine this weekend since it is factory. anyone have the rancho part number ? are they all the same as In for 3500 2500 etc? thanks for the input . Also is it just as simple as remove old and bolt on new one. no measuring or anything? Thanks Patrick .

 

[shendren]

so,.....



the only movemtent allowed is the plunger movement?



does napa carry a stabilizer?



thanks. scott.

 

[pathaymond]

yes sir the plunger is the part that would move it would operate just as your shocks so from two fixed points. .

 

[shendren]

phaymond, thanks.



what i really want to know is the plunger the ONLY movement allowed. i understand the plunger moves. mine seems to be twisting about its own axis. thanks. scott.

 

[pathaymond]

shendren

I would say that your plunger should not be twisting about in its own axis. it sounds like its time for both of us to buy a part. . Lol hope I have helped

 

[shendren]

thanks. scott.

 

[M Barnett]

shendren, I think the best thing for you to do, as you have 76,000 miles, is to just replace it, I can guarantee its shot if its original.

M Barnett

 

[Sled Puller]

BE PREPARED!!



Mine had a burr on the tapered shaft, a NIGHTMARE to get off. A ten minute job turned into 4 hours, invloving torches, a port-power, several different pullers, big hammers, etc. etc. etc.

 

[JBoesl]

It helps to have a airhammer on hand, if the tapered end does not want to come out. An air hammer with a tie rod end fork will do the trick.



Jason