"Steer" me right - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Purs · 03-12-2003, 12:57 PM

is the steering shock stabilizer just a regular shock or what? I need to replace my stock one and don't know what to look for. Can anyone "steer" me in the right direction?

72K10 · 03-12-2003, 01:18 PM

Pretty much any parts store should carry one. I got one from Autozone. Steering stabilizers appear to extend much further than a regular shock. They cost about the same as a single shock absorber.

Stout72 · 03-12-2003, 01:58 PM

Depending on the size of the tires you are running, you may need a dual setup. I've heard anything bigger than 33s should have a dual shock steering stabilizer.

Purs · 03-12-2003, 03:06 PM

33's is what I'm running now. I'm going to add a 2" lift pretty soon. Should I wait to put the steering stabilizer in then? What is involved with the install? thanks for the replies.

Stout72 · 03-12-2003, 03:37 PM

You can put it in now if you want. A lift has no effect on the install. If you're getting any bump-steer, a stabilizer setup will dampen that out. I get a considerable amount of bump-steer with 35s, but I'm sure my stabilizer shocks have just about had it.

They're pretty easy to install, basically the setup is u-bolted to the tie rod and axle tube. Some axles have a pad welded to the tube to mount that end to, some tie rods are drilled for its respective end. Dual setups come in a parallel configuration, or an end-for-end configuration. The end-for-ends give you a little more ground clearance.

Shop the 'Net, the local 4Wheel Parts store, or else consult 4 Wheel & Offroad magazine, there's a ton of vendors that advertise in there.

Purs · 03-12-2003, 03:40 PM

thanks stout!

**Yukon Jack** · 03-12-2003, 06:34 PM

My 69 is fine with a single stabalizer running 35's. From what I understand a stabalizer is different from a shock - not sure what is different though.

Jason71k10 · 03-12-2003, 07:24 PM

i read on here that a s.s. is valved differently than than a shock. If it weren't then the s.s. would always be trying to steer you to the right because it would expand, wouldn't it??
i'm not sure, I only have 31's, so i'm not running one, but i plan to in the future. I'll probably just buy a s.s. and fab my own brackets.
Jason

Bill W · 03-12-2003, 08:09 PM

I like to keep things looking factory. So I don't go for the aftermarket bolt on/bracket stuff. Your pickup has a factory steering stab and when it gets worn out you can purchase another one that fits in the factory place for not much money. Its out of the way, does its job and doesn't detract from the factory look.

Bill 1978 4x4 Shortbed Scottsdale.

03-12-2003, 12:57 PM	#1
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	"Steer" me right is the steering shock stabilizer just a regular shock or what? I need to replace my stock one and don't know what to look for. Can anyone "steer" me in the right direction? __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

03-12-2003, 01:18 PM	#2
72K10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: New York Posts: 288	Pretty much any parts store should carry one. I got one from Autozone. Steering stabilizers appear to extend much further than a regular shock. They cost about the same as a single shock absorber. __________________ RLTW 70C10 72K10 72K10 Cheyenne 72C10 Cheyenne Super

03-12-2003, 01:58 PM	#3
Stout72 Not my good side. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Fairfield, California Posts: 222	Depending on the size of the tires you are running, you may need a dual setup. I've heard anything bigger than 33s should have a dual shock steering stabilizer. __________________ 72 Chevy K20 Custom Camper, 350/350, 4" lift, dual shock suspension front & rear. Daily driver and a work in progress. 00 Suburban LT 90 Camaro RS 79 Yamaha XS1100 Special (Ol' Reliable)

03-12-2003, 03:06 PM	#4
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	33's is what I'm running now. I'm going to add a 2" lift pretty soon. Should I wait to put the steering stabilizer in then? What is involved with the install? thanks for the replies. __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

03-12-2003, 03:37 PM	#5
Stout72 Not my good side. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Fairfield, California Posts: 222	You can put it in now if you want. A lift has no effect on the install. If you're getting any bump-steer, a stabilizer setup will dampen that out. I get a considerable amount of bump-steer with 35s, but I'm sure my stabilizer shocks have just about had it. They're pretty easy to install, basically the setup is u-bolted to the tie rod and axle tube. Some axles have a pad welded to the tube to mount that end to, some tie rods are drilled for its respective end. Dual setups come in a parallel configuration, or an end-for-end configuration. The end-for-ends give you a little more ground clearance. Shop the 'Net, the local 4Wheel Parts store, or else consult 4 Wheel & Offroad magazine, there's a ton of vendors that advertise in there. __________________ 72 Chevy K20 Custom Camper, 350/350, 4" lift, dual shock suspension front & rear. Daily driver and a work in progress. 00 Suburban LT 90 Camaro RS 79 Yamaha XS1100 Special (Ol' Reliable)

03-12-2003, 03:40 PM	#6
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	thanks stout! __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

03-12-2003, 06:34 PM	#7
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	My 69 is fine with a single stabalizer running 35's. From what I understand a stabalizer is different from a shock - not sure what is different though. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

03-12-2003, 07:24 PM	#8
Jason71k10 ready for reassembly Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Barrie ONT, Canada Posts: 413	i read on here that a s.s. is valved differently than than a shock. If it weren't then the s.s. would always be trying to steer you to the right because it would expand, wouldn't it?? i'm not sure, I only have 31's, so i'm not running one, but i plan to in the future. I'll probably just buy a s.s. and fab my own brackets. Jason

03-12-2003, 08:09 PM	#9
Bill W Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Oregon Posts: 229	I like to keep things looking factory. So I don't go for the aftermarket bolt on/bracket stuff. Your pickup has a factory steering stab and when it gets worn out you can purchase another one that fits in the factory place for not much money. Its out of the way, does its job and doesn't detract from the factory look. Bill 1978 4x4 Shortbed Scottsdale.

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