The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 53' Steering Stabilizer

Newbie here. I’ve got a question that might sound pretty stupid but I’ve got to ask.
I have a 53’ 5window 3100 that started to give me some steering problems. Put it up on the hoist and found that the front steering stabilizer was shot. Hit several shops and found something that looked like it would fit.
Problem.
When I went to the shop manual to make sure I was installing it properly I cannot find a mention of it anywhere and I didn’t find it listed in any of my parts catalogs. It looks like it belongs there and I don’t see me having any trouble putting the replacement one I bought on. But is it supposed to be there? Or is it something some one has added somewhere along the way? It seems like it would at least appear in one of the drawings in the shop manual.
Thank you in advance to all who read this and reply.

Jerry 53,

Welcome to the land of Stovebolts. I have never heard of a steering stabilizer on a '53. It could have been some strange option, but I don't think so.

When properly setup and adjusted, these old rigs steer pretty straight and true. Maybe there was a problem someone else couldn't resolve and went to a stabilizer as a band-aid.

More knowledge is sure to come...again, welcome.

Stuart

The steering stabilizer that i have is an add-on, as are all ive seen. they bolt to the axle/I beam and to the tie rod. basically its just a shock absorber.
If i remember correctly, when bolting it on, have the wheels pointed straight forward,shock absorber pulled halfway out,and attach everything to where it goes,IE: front axle and tie rod.
I dont think youll find anything abt. these in the shop manuals,etc... good luck,Marty

If it's a Moog unit, you could just get a new stabilizer damper. It's part #SSD42, SSD12 for the complete kit.

Thank You Gentelmen. I knew I could count on getting a good answer here. Now all I have to do is decide if I want to keep it on there or pull it all off.
I now believe my steering problem may be bad tires. I had a similar steering problem a number of years back on my 67’ Vett and a much needed new set of skins solved the problem there. I’m still running the same tires that were on it when I got it. Any suggestions on what kind of tires I should go with. Please keep in mind that I don’t show this truck, I drive it and use it on a regular basis.

Thanks Again.

The stabilizer is an add on on those trucks. They work good with power steering but I tried one on one of my trucks & it was terrible. Downright dangerous. Like Automarc posted if all is working right they handle pretty good.

The same thing was true on my 57 Chev 1/2 ton.

I took it off right after I bought it etc. Later I discovered that that radial tires and the toe in were the problem.

I've not sure what the 'stearing dampner' is.

Who knows about that??

Thanks

A steering damper (stabilizer) is more or less a shock absorber. They mount to the tie rod and the axle/frame, depending on suspesion type. The main purpose is to help control bump steer by dampening the road shock. Not really a necessity for a stock truck, but can help on trucks that see alot of rough roads and/or have oversize tires. especially if there isn't any type of power assist on the steering.
As far as control issues, having the alignment angles (particularly the toe setting) correct and the tires inflated to the correct pressure will correct virtually all handling problems.
This is what a stabilizer looks like installed. http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2467856270092261295gWlAJo