Steering Stabilizer Shock Quality....?

[TripleE44]

I'm fairly new to the straight front axle lifts and stuff, I've come from 1/2 tons and have never had much of a need or desire for a dual stabilizer. Anyways, I'm looking to get a dual stabilizer(I think) because I get a pretty decent shimmy in the steering wheel at certain points while driving. Mainly when I'm going at high speed and hit a bump.

My main question is this:
Is the quality of the shock used in these stabilizers really that much of an issue that I should pay the extra to get the more expensive shock?

I'd assume that all the shocks that are sold in the kits are made for the stabilizers are made specifically for the application of being a dampener, but am I wrong there?

I guess I just don't see where I should pay $500 for a stabilizer versus a $200 one when all I'm getting is a slight shimmy. But I'm willing to if its actually necessary...

Any help would be greatly appreciated.... Thanks guys...

[NotStock]

Most of the quality kits use shocks that are very similar as are the mounting setups (like almost identical). So no, you would not be able to feel a difference. The finish and appearance would be the main difference and some are even rebuildable. The shocks used in a steering stabilizer kit SHOULD be valved specifically for a steering type of setup since they see very slow travel and must have super stiff valving. But check with the brand you choose to make sure they use the proper shock.

Given your quality tire and wheel choice, I would venture to guess pretty much any kit out there will do the trick!

[DCSpecial]

Originally Posted by TripleE44

I'm fairly new to the straight front axle lifts and stuff, I've come from 1/2 tons and have never had much of a need or desire for a dual stabilizer. Anyways, I'm looking to get a dual stabilizer(I think) because I get a pretty decent shimmy in the steering wheel at certain points while driving. Mainly when I'm going at high speed and hit a bump.

My main question is this:
Is the quality of the shock used in these stabilizers really that much of an issue that I should pay the extra to get the more expensive shock?

I'd assume that all the shocks that are sold in the kits are made for the stabilizers are made specifically for the application of being a dampener, but am I wrong there?

I guess I just don't see where I should pay $500 for a stabilizer versus a $200 one when all I'm getting is a slight shimmy. But I'm willing to if its actually necessary...

Any help would be greatly appreciated.... Thanks guys...

I would recommend getting a dual setup that uses nitrogen charged shocks like a Bilstein 5100/5125 or the Icon Sig. Series.

It will do a much better job over an emulsion shock.

We offer BDS, RIZE or Icon brackets with either Bilstein or Icons.

I run Icon on my 2007.


Also, make sure your truck is aligned properly.....05+ trucks are pretty sensitive and prone to death wobble if not setup properly.

[PGreenSVT]

I just added a dual stabilizer when I installed my lift. It has dual Bilsteins and there is a night and day difference between the stock feel and how it feels now. I used to get a very mild shimmy in the wheel at highway speeds and now there is no trace of it. Going over bridges and railroad tracks and stuff like that I no longer feel through the steering wheel like I did with the stock setup. I say if you are going to do it it is worth doing with quality stabilizers. I am using the TGC kit which runs $300 with the Bilsteins.

[TripleE44]

Thanks Trevor, the brackets I've seen do almost all look the same, but some use ubolts on the back side of the bracket versus a full plate.

Originally Posted by DCSpecial

I would recommend getting a dual setup that uses nitrogen charged shocks like a Bilstein 5100/5125 or the Icon Sig. Series.

It will do a much better job over an emulsion shock.

We offer BDS, RIZE or Icon brackets with either Bilstein or Icons.

I run Icon on my 2007.


Also, make sure your truck is aligned properly.....05+ trucks are pretty sensitive and prone to death wobble if not setup properly.

Not trying to come off rude, just trying to learn. What would be better about a nitrogen charged shock versus an emulsion style shock for this application? Is emulsion just a style of oil and the other is just the gas inside the shock?

I'm pretty sure the alignment is done correctly, because my installer checked it several different days since he got it all together. But if the stabilizer route doesn't work out, I'll be checking somewhere else....

[CT Performance, Inc.]

Just be aware that Bilstein doesn't yet have a steering stabilizer shock out..stablizer shocks are valved 50/50 different that a normal shock. Will normal shocks work..sure but not as good as a stablizer shock will.

Did you dial in additional castor on your 4 link arms? ..factory settings are not enough have it set to 4-5* min. Make sure toe is in on both sides not just one side..may require the tierod to be poped out on the passenger side to get correct

[PGreenSVT]

Originally Posted by CT Performance, Inc.

Just be aware that Bilstein doesn't yet have a steering stabilizer shock out..stablizer shocks are valved 50/50 different that a normal shock. Will normal shocks work..sure but not as good as a stablizer shock will.

Did you dial in additional castor on your 4 link arms? ..factory settings are not enough have it set to 4-5* min. Make sure toe is in on both sides not just one side..may require the tierod to be poped out on the passenger side to get correct

Another good point Cary. I had them set mine to 4.5* when I had it aligned after my 4 link.

[TripleE44]

My installer told me he recommends between 5-7* and he got mine set at 6* is what he told me....

[PGreenSVT]

You'll be fine there. It will cut into your turning radius a bit but will track real nice at speed.

[RichardT]

JUST don't get the dual opposing Fab-tec. kit. thats what I used. I ended up have to turn my adjust sleeve on the tie-rod bar up and out of the way, and they stick down below the axle, Good thing i don't do much off-roading. Looking to get rid of it asap