DIY - Dual Steering Stabilizer
#1
DIY - Dual Steering Stabilizer
Well, I finally got around to installing the dual stabilizers on my truck. I originally ordered the Rough Country kit bought off Ebay for $99. Turns out it wouldn't work on my 2002 2500, only works on 2003 and up. Sent it back and got the SkyJacker #7270 set. The 7270 is for 2500 models with a 3.75" axle tube. Thanks to VEETEN for helping me identify the axle, since I was out of town and unable to measure it. Skyjacker has the #7218 for the 1500s with a 3" axle tube.
Anyway, on to the DIY. Skyjacker's instruction were.....ok. Problem is they sent me the instructions for the #7218 model. I got online and d/l'd the correct instructions and went to work.
Tools needed:
1. Pitman arm puller (to remove old stabilizer)
2. Deepwell socket set
3. Torque wrench
4. 3rd hand or C-clamp.
Step 1 - Remove the old stabilizer
Got to use the pitman arm puller here...$9.95 at Harbor Freight Tools
Step 2 - Attach axle bracket to axle on left side of differential using 3.75" u-bolts. Torque to 24 ft. lbs.
Step 3 - Attach one stud and stabilizer to the axle bracket
Step 4 - Attach the other stud and stabilizer to the axle bracket
Step 5 - Pull out the shafts of the stabilizers so that the length is 19" from center-eye to center-eye on each side
Step 6 - Attach brackets to tie rod ends using supplied hardware. Torque to 19 ft. lbs.
Step 7 - Turn steering wheel from left to right to ensure there is no binding or contact.
Step 8 - Clean up, you are done.
The Skyjacker kit was perfect. It was well packaged and very easy to install. The road test revealed a big difference in the way the beast handled, especially when traveling over rough terrain at high speed.
Anyway, on to the DIY. Skyjacker's instruction were.....ok. Problem is they sent me the instructions for the #7218 model. I got online and d/l'd the correct instructions and went to work.
Tools needed:
1. Pitman arm puller (to remove old stabilizer)
2. Deepwell socket set
3. Torque wrench
4. 3rd hand or C-clamp.
Step 1 - Remove the old stabilizer
Got to use the pitman arm puller here...$9.95 at Harbor Freight Tools
Step 2 - Attach axle bracket to axle on left side of differential using 3.75" u-bolts. Torque to 24 ft. lbs.
Step 3 - Attach one stud and stabilizer to the axle bracket
Step 4 - Attach the other stud and stabilizer to the axle bracket
Step 5 - Pull out the shafts of the stabilizers so that the length is 19" from center-eye to center-eye on each side
Step 6 - Attach brackets to tie rod ends using supplied hardware. Torque to 19 ft. lbs.
Step 7 - Turn steering wheel from left to right to ensure there is no binding or contact.
Step 8 - Clean up, you are done.
The Skyjacker kit was perfect. It was well packaged and very easy to install. The road test revealed a big difference in the way the beast handled, especially when traveling over rough terrain at high speed.
Last edited by Miami_Son; 02-07-2010 at 12:11 PM. Reason: Minor corrections