Using a 9000XL as a Steering Stabilizer

[ejg3855]

Here are the dimensions:

9000XL Rear Shock (2.5") : Compressed Length 15.625 Extended Length 24.375 Travel 8.75

Ford OEM Steering Stabilizer : Compressed Length 14.5 Extended Length 24.375 Travel 9.875


My thought is this could allow you to dial in the desired steering dampening, does anyone know if the reduced travel and shorter compressed length would have a profound effect on the steering radii? I would think it doesn't work at the extremes of its limits but I am unsure.

[TexasA&M]

You should measure the stock steering stabilizer (or the distance between mounting points) with the steering wheel turned all the way to one side, and then the other. This will show you the max compressed and extended lengths that the steering system will allow, thus letting you know if the shock you have will fit.

This won't tell you anything about performance, but it should let you know if it will fit without hurting anything.

[shawnb99]

steering stabs are usually of a negative valving nature. shocks are valved to control compression and rebound, with valving that relates to direction. the stabilizer is the same on both side of the valve stack. it just controls speed of travel. lets say left turns are some what tight and dragging, but man , a right turn is just nothing there. there is a difference in amount of control on opposite sides of the valve shims.

[shawnb99]

youtube.....bilstein shocks, they offer a tutorial from like 1980 that will give you a better idea of what i mention above.