So long story short I been rebuilding my front end my self, kinda short on cash because of the holidays and my stabilizer is shot has been lol. Now I got two extra rear shocks for my truck and they look about the same, think I could make a rear shock work as a stabilizer? Opinions? You all help me out alot even if indirectly though old threads so I appreciate the advice, thanks.

 

I wouldn't bother trying it. Different lengths,bolt sizes, diameters(rubbing) and pressure most likely.

 

Eh figured I'd ask haha, when I do buy the stabilizer is it meant to be installed extended, collapsed or what?

 

I've done it on a couple trucks but never my dodge... you can pick up a racho replacement shock for 44 dollars at JCwhinty RS5412

but if u do use a rear shock... measure the shaft of the shock when its pulled all the way out.. you are going to want to be the same if its to short or to long it will cause problems...

i used a rear shock as a steering stabilizer on a k5 blazer i had....



i know how money is tight but if you take shortcuts its gonna bite you in the butt later on

 

HUH? Get the right one. I know it sucks when money is tight, but we are talking about steering. Not sticking duct tape on some rust temporarily. I'm sure the local parts store will have one cheaper than $44.

 

Ya I know I was just in my garage looking back and forth at the shot stabilizer and those extra shocks pondering it lol, maybe good even make a dual set up out of em. And they have to be the same lenth extended? Or should I make it the same length as the one on the truck? Also how are they supposed to be when properly installed, extended fully or collapsed when wheels are straight. Thanks

 

It won't be like this for long zman just figured something would be better than nothing at all as I drive 20 miles to work and back all highway and this is my one vehicle. I gotta say its pretty crazy without this stabilizer haha but new ball joints and tie rods.

 

They need to be the same extended and collapsed. Unless of course you only turn in one direction. Besides, it sounds to me like you have more problems than that. A stabilizer helps in only a minimal amount if something else is not right.

 

Not sure how much more could be wrong, If i'm missing something tell me. I put on all four new tie rods, all new ball joints upper and lower. I think I may have a small amount of play in gear box still need to check and a blown stabilizer. I'm def buying the actual stabilizer. It seams my question is being misunderstood when I get the stabilizer out of the box and install it, should I let it fully extend and bolt it on? Fully collapse it and bolt it on or something like the middle?

 

Update: After a little research I think i'm gonna try it. I looked up the specs for a stabilizer and they are 23" extended 14" collapsed and 9" travel. My extra shock measures 24" extended 14" collapsed and 9" travel. So aside from being a little longer the amount of movement is the same. Also when I looked at beefed up stabilizers they basically looked like a rear shock size. Maybe it'll work maybe not, just gotta find out at what point of travel it needs mounted now. Thanks for the input and opinions though guys. Will update once I see how it works out.