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Steering stabilizer question?

meanwire

Jr. Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2010
Messages
135
Loc.
Central Oregon
My '77 EB steering has a lot of play in it. PO installed a new steering stabilizer in it, but there's still some play in it. There's no slop in it, it just has no resistance to it. So it looks like I've been drinking and driving, what can I do so that it's a little stiffer?
 
OP
OP
meanwire

meanwire

Jr. Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2010
Messages
135
Loc.
Central Oregon
Here's a picture of the steering stabilizer.
 

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73stallion

Bronco Guru
Joined
Mar 5, 2004
Messages
16,786
Loc.
Eugene, OR
if your steering has a lot of play in it, a stabilizer is NOT the answer. it's a patch. i haven't run a stabilizer at all for several years. my suggestion, find the actual problem and fix it right.
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
37,077
Steering stabalizer (technically correct term is a steering damper) does not fix steering problems. It is there to prevent them.

A steering damper will not make it track better, reduce steering effort, increase steering effort, fix shimmy, fix death wobble, or make the bronco drive toward a pot of gold. It may mask some symptoms of bad steering parts, but it does not fix them.

The only thing a steering damper should do is minimize sudden steering kickback. Keeps the steering wheel from kicking around in your hands as bad. It dampens impacts in the steering system. Hopefully before they reach the steering box, helps the steering box live a longer and happier life. On pavement you should not be able to tell if there is a damper installed or not (unless you start clipping curbs). Many people remove them completely. Personally I prefer to keep a good one installed because I know how expensive power steering boxes can be and I would rather have mine last as long as possible.

You have other steeing issues. Worn (or sticking) tie rod ends/ball joints, track bar bushings (usually gives a death wobble as well), worn steering box, loose steering box, cracked frame, etc.
 

Stoneman

Full Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2009
Messages
168
Loc.
Silver Spring, MD
I've had some issues as well. If you have play, you have slop...somewhere. I had worn ball ends, replaced my drag link and that helped. I still have some play left and discovered some slop in my box. I figure once that is rebuilt or replaced I'll be good to go.

Easiest thing to do, have a buddy rock that wheel back and forth for a minute or two and you should be able to see something.
 

NY-Bronco

Resident Dipstick
Joined
Aug 4, 2010
Messages
2,336
Loc.
Weehawken, NJ
Easiest thing to do, have a buddy rock that wheel back and forth for a minute or two and you should be able to see something.

Thats the best advice you can get! I went through similar and had kid rock the steering back and forth (they dont get bored ;D) Instantly you will be able to see where the play is and what is worn. Then just fix the issues. At the very least you will know where the problems are.
 
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