Aren't stabilizers only on 4wd or did Dodge start putting it on all of them after 1999? Mine doesn't have one and I looked to see if there were any signs ithad been removed .... nothing.

 

OK, just read that you haven't had an alignment done yet. Obviously have that done, but I still wonder why it didn't wander before, unless the old tires had worn to match any misalignment. I'd still examine the new tires. And when you tighten the steering box, don't tighten it too much, or you really will wander. The box can't offer any resistance to the wheels' natural desire to track straight.

Also, I can't see how a steering stabilzer, or even two of them, would do much to cure your wandering. It's just a shock absorber after all; if a tire wants to pull, it'll still pull. A stabilizer might slow it down a little, but I don't see how it would stop it. Seems to me that's kinda like the guys who somehow think that new shocks will help sagging springs.

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These guys say it pretty well:

"A steering stabilizer is basically a shock absorber for your steering system. It allows unrestricted gradual movement, but resists sudden shock".

http://www.superlift.com/accessories/stabilizers.asp

 

I checked the build sheet on my '01 1 wheel drive, SHAS Front Stabilizer Bar, but no shock.

 

Thanks for reminding us that most of have either 1-wheel or 2-wheel drive trucks, not 2-wheel or 4-wheel.

I don't want to hijack this thread, so I'm going to search for an answer to whether or not Dodge offers any true posi rear ends. I know some Kubota tractors have locking front and rear diffs; it would be nice to have a true 4-wd truck.

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OK, got it:

"Actually Dodge doesn't refer to it as posi-track but Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle, an option offered for $285.00".

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...-traction.html

Well, we're up to 3-WD.

 

Yeah I was merely making a crack at the 2wd open diff.

 

And there are ways to make it a true posi rear end or Anti Spin Differential. And it's cheaper in the short run then installing a locking kit, simply weld the spider gears together. And if you aren't trying to kill your truck a do a good weld it should outlast the truck.

 

No it won't. Welding the rear end on a street driven vehicle is a very bad plan. The rear NEEDS to be able to slip some when cornering on dry pavement, otherwise, things break. Not to mention that VASTLY accelerated tire wear on the rear.......

 

Well then.... To quote Ratchet: "This fool is terribly misinformed" - the fool being myself.

I watched an episode of Trucks on Spike TV back in the day when that dude Stacy was the host, I remember a Jeep (think it was a Jeep) build with a locked rear end, wasn't welded but it was a permanent lock, been stuck on the idea ever since. Don't know why.....

 

Probably a spool. If you never drive it on the street, that works fine. GREAT for offroading.

 

"I watched an episode of Trucks on Spike TV back in the day when that dude Stacy was the host, I remember a Jeep (think it was a Jeep) build with a locked rear end, wasn't welded but it was a permanent lock, been stuck on the idea ever since. Don't know why....."

Maybe this is the "locker" they installed; seems to be popular on the Jeep forums -

http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsS...als/PCT_221432

"The legendary Detroit Locker began the revolution in performance differentials and still leads the industry today as an Eaton brand. The Detroit Locker is the most durable and dependable locking differential available.

The Detroit Locker maximizes traction by delivering 100% of the torque to both drive wheels. It is engineered to keep both wheels in a constant drive mode, and has the ability to automatically allow wheel speed differentiation when required".

Easy to see how "locked" could be taken to mean just that, hence the welding suggestion. I just learned something too.

By the way, it takes a brave man to admit he might have mis-spoken; thank God I've never had to do that.