Steering stabilizer? Is it neccessary?

[rgoot01]

I was curious as to what everyone thought as to whether or not run a steering stabilizer on the front end of a 72 f100 4x4. The reason I am asking is simply for opinions. Yes, I understand the purpose of a stabilizer, however do you think it is a neccessity. I had several 4x's ranging from '73-'79 when I was growing up in Nebraska and none of them had such a critter on them and yet the steering systems worked just fine. So, what do you guys think? Also could I get more of a detailed opinion as to why or why not rather than simple yes and no answers? The reason for curiosity is due to an opinionated debate between a guy I work with and myself and would like info to back not only his opinion but mine as well. Thanks in advance.

[19674x4]

it really depends on personal opinions and how the truck handles. If you have all the steering components nice and tight yet you still get a shake or wander they can be a good idea. mainley used for larger tires.

[montana_hiboy]

Neccessary no, do they look "cool" yes, that's the only reason most guys use em imo, they usually just mask slop that already exists in the steering linkage, if your front end is tight and aligned correctly and the steering geometry is correct if it's lifted a stabilizer is pretty much redundant, maybe if you're running bias ply 38" ground hawgs or something a stabilizer can be an asset but short of that i personally don't think they have much to offer.

[heep70]

They keep your thumbs from getting ripped off if one of your tires hits something big while offroad. I run them on all my 4xs especially my trail rig.

If the truck is nothing but a pavement pounder then there is probably no need for it.

[ToughOldFord]

They keep your thumbs from getting ripped off if one of your tires hits something big while offroad. I run them on all my 4xs especially my trail rig.

If the truck is nothing but a pavement pounder then there is probably no need for it.