Need to buy a Stabilizer Arm?

[Hotrod624]

Ok I bought A 77 chevy C20 off my uncle and he said it needs a stabilizer arm, But I think thats what he said.

[msgross]

Welcome to the board...

BTW, only paid subscribers can post WTB (want to buy) ads...

[N2TRUX]

Welcome to the forum Hotrod624. Can you be more specific on what your looking for? Are you looking for a steering stabilizer? If possible, post pics if your not sure of what it's called.

[Hotrod624]

You have to pay to post WTB Threads? And I Don't know all my uncle said was that I need to buy a stabilizer arm, I don't know if this helps but when I drive fast about 65 to 75 it starts to shimmy in the front bad.

[Malo83]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Welcome to the forum Hotrod624. Can you be more specific on what your looking for? Are you looking for a steering stabilizer? If possible, post pics if your not sure of what it's called.

Yep that's what you need

[Hotrod624]

Ok can someone point to a product?

[msgross]

that's cool.. a steering stabilizer is like a shock on the front tie rod, you mostly find them on 4x4's though..

any NAPA will have them. It could just be your tires need balanced/replaced.. or other steering issues like ball joints, tie rod ends etc...

[N2TRUX]

Ok lets start with your request. I have pictured below a "Steering stabilizer" which as mentioned is a shock that mounts to your tie rod. It is common for 4wd applications, and is "sometimes" used in 2wd applications.

If your truck has one already, you can purchase a replacement unit at most autoparts. If it did not come with one you will need to add universal mounting brackets.

[N2TRUX]

With that said, lets try to better diagnose your problem. No disrespect to your Uncle, but It sounds like a pretty generic answer to a problem that could have many solutions.

If your vibration only occurs at a certain speed you can have a list of things that are wrong.

To start with, have you recently had your tires balanced? If they have lost a weight, or wearing unevenly that could be the culprit.

You could also have worn components that include, ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks, A-arm bushings, etc.

Before you buy anything I recommend you get some knowledgeable assistance to help you determine what "exactly" is causing your wobble.

[silvereagle07]

Loose wheel bearings or incorrect tire pressure could also cause the problem. I second N2TRUX and find someone that can help you diagnose the problem before purchasing anything. Oh, I forgot! Welcome to the forum.

[Hotrod624]

OK it is 2WD and I will look in the morning to see if I have one. And I have new tires so that's solves one thing.

[N2TRUX]

Now we are talking. Did this problem occur before the new tires?

[Hotrod624]

Yes it did, But my grandpa owned it and before he died he put new tires on it, but he didn't care about getting it fixed because he lived in town, but for me I live 18 miles outside of town, so it gets hard to drive.

[N2TRUX]

Then tires are probably not your issue, but it could still be a bent rim.

[Hotrod624]

Maybe but they look like solid piece of steel, just kidding but I'll have them looked at.

[dan76]

Alloy wheels have a tendency to get out of true (perfectly round) when hitting curbs/potholes. Therefore they can be difficult to balance. Steel wheels on the other hand are more resistant to this problem. If you're running steelies......it's probably not the rims.

I'd suggest getting the front suspension checked by a competent shop.....you might be in for an unpleasant surprise if something lets loose at 65 mph.

[Hotrod624]

Yeah with me being 16 and only making 9.00 an hour that would cost a few pretty pennys!

[N2TRUX]

Even more reason to have it looked at by a professional. Find a shop that doesn't charge for an estimate. If you have costly repair ahead, you need to know about them as soon as possible.

BTW-I am pleased to hear that a 16 yo has a job making 9.00 an hour. Good for you....

[msgross]

You could rotate the front tires to the back and see if it helps. If so then it's a wheel issue, if not then it's suspension related. Are all 4wheels and rims the same size?

[Hotrod624]

I think he said the back were a little bit bigger but it shouldnt make a diffrence?

[silvereagle07]

Does the wheel have alot of play while turning? If you have checked all other suspension components for being loose take notice of the wheel play. You may need to tighten your steering gear. It possible if could be worn. If it's worn enough and you have a slight imbalance on the wheels it will set up a shimmy at certain speeds.

[Prerunner1982]

Also check your frame around the steering box. These trucks are known to crack the frame. More so the 4x4s but 2wds will do it too. I know from experience. Also, a steering stablizer will not fix any wobble issues, it will only cover them up.
If it ends up not being the wheels, then it would probably be wise to replace the tie rods, pitman arm, idler arm, and ball joints. Wouldnt hurt to replace the control arm bushings as well.

[Hotrod624]

I did have it checked out and they said I need a Stabilizer Arm and the brackets, So does anybody know where I can buy the brackets?

[msgross]

you have to buy a universal kit for your needs..

[Prerunner1982]

Originally Posted by Hotrod624

I did have it checked out and they said I need a Stabilizer Arm and the brackets, So does anybody know where I can buy the brackets?

Get a second opinion... A steering stabalizer is NOT required on these vehicles. If you have a wobble something else is wrong.