Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**DeadheadNM** · 01-11-2013, 08:39 PM

What year 4x4s had steering stabilizers? '72 only? Pics (Thanks Tom Korinek) show what I believe is an OEM stabilizer bracket ('72 Blazer) on the tie rod: the stabilizer attaches to a plate affixed onto the Dana 44 as shown. Was the stabilizer offered for all years?

**special-K** · 01-12-2013, 09:23 AM

'72 was the first year,as far as I know.

**DeadheadNM** · 01-12-2013, 10:46 AM

Interesting...learn new things here all the time. I guess that bracket is one year only deal then. The '72 model had several one-offs: doors, door panels, window regulators, tow hooks, aux tank, SS tailgate handle cover, rear view mirror...

**D.PASSMORE** · 01-12-2013, 12:40 PM

1972 3/4 ton 4X4 - another hard part to locate is the rear brake cable (one year only) for a eaton Ho52. I been holding onto a NOS one for a while, cannot find a match or suitable replacement anywhere.

**DeadheadNM** · 01-12-2013, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D.PASSMORE

1972 3/4 ton 4X4 - another hard part to locate is the rear brake cable (one year only) for a eaton Ho52. I been holding onto a NOS one for a while, cannot find a match or suitable replacement anywhere.

Dave that's good to know. Would that be the e-brake cable then? I've got a nice spare '72 K20 frame so may need to keep an eye out for that part....

**too much stuff** · 01-12-2013, 02:08 PM

Since the front is a dana thing, and if 72 was the first year, wouldn't it be the same from 72 up to late 70s-early 80s?

**Ol Blue K20** · 01-12-2013, 03:29 PM

From what i recall 72 was the first year and in 73 the tie rod did'nt have the bolt on bracket but a hole made in the tie rod

**special-K** · 01-13-2013, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

From what i recall 72 was the first year and in 73 the tie rod did'nt have the bolt on bracket but a hole made in the tie rod

^ Yep ^...And,the axle end is a bracket welded to the housing

sboris · 01-13-2013, 08:40 PM

So are these after market? Seem old.. Mounted on a 70chassis. The one on the tie rod seems the same..

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**DeadheadNM** · 01-13-2013, 09:00 PM

The tie rod bracket looks like a GM piece.

**Stocker** · 01-13-2013, 09:51 PM

^^ Yup. And the axle bracket is aftermarket.

sboris · 01-13-2013, 09:57 PM

Interesting!
Posted via Mobile Device

**special-K** · 01-13-2013, 10:25 PM

Probably the tie rod bracket was taken from a '72 at some point

AHowe88 · 08-14-2013, 11:35 PM

Digging up an old thread here...

I have a 72 without any steering stabilizer, or the hardware for it. Where some made without, or was it just taken off at some point?

I'd like to add a stabilizer, without the hardware on the truck, what are my options? The ones I looked at don't come with the mounting hardware.

**DeadheadNM** · 08-14-2013, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AHowe88

Digging up an old thread here...

I have a 72 without any steering stabilizer, or the hardware for it. Where some made without, or was it just taken off at some point?

I'd like to add a stabilizer, without the hardware on the truck, what are my options? The ones I looked at don't come with the mounting hardware.

First thing - look at your front (Dana 44?) axle and see if it has the affixed bracket to attach the wheel end of the stabilizer (see first pic above). If so, should be a 72 front axle and all you'd need is the tie rod bracket. If not, I'd question an axle swap to an earlier model Dana 44 that would need some extra mounting hardware.

Spartan · 08-15-2013, 12:15 AM

My 69 has one. looks og...always thought it was factory. d44 closed knuckle.
still learning.
i guess ill remove it!

**D.PASSMORE** · 08-15-2013, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spartan

My 69 has one. looks og...always thought it was factory. d44 closed knuckle.
still learning.
i guess ill remove it!

Like to see a picture.

To verify the year of the axle, you can check the date on the ring gear. If its original ring and pinion, it will be real close to the installation date of the OE D44.

Spartan · 08-15-2013, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D.PASSMORE

Like to see a picture.

To verify the year of the axle, you can check the date on the ring gear. If its original ring and pinion, it will be real close to the installation date of the OE D44.

I'll be heading down to the farm over the weekend and remember to flash some photos. It's a closed knuckle d44 so I'm guessing the stabilizer was bolted on somehow... pics will tell all

c
Cheers!
Nim

JayDubBlazer · 08-15-2013, 09:59 PM

So is that just a shock? I ordered from rancho what I thought was the right charged cylinder but it arrived with threaded rods on both ends.

67swb72klb · 08-15-2013, 10:02 PM

I thought that 69's were open knuckle ?

**DeadheadNM** · 08-15-2013, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayDubBlazer

So is that just a shock? I ordered from rancho what I thought was the right charged cylinder but it arrived with threaded rods on both ends.

The correct stabilizer for 72 is just like a shock that comes with loose bolts that affix the ends to the brackets at the 1) axle (welded in place by Dana) and the 2) tie rod - just like the first pics above

Spartan · 08-19-2013, 11:12 PM

okay... I went out to the farm and took pics over the weekend.
Cant upload photos, at least not the same way I used to and I'm not computer literate so I'm gonna just throw my hands up. Kind of a bummer tho because pics say it all.

Here's what I learned about my truck. The axle is factory. I assumed the stabilizer was because it all has the same rust (LOL). It is bolted on tho and the plate that has the stabilizer bolted to it also has the driver side shock bolted to it so it serves dual purpose as stabilizer and shock mount and bolts to the axle outboard of the spring perch. I find it kind of interesting that it shares a bracket with the shock but it is a beefy stamped u-bolted item.

I guess I wont remove it after all. Looks like it was meant to be there.
c
Beers!
Nim

68shortfleet · 08-20-2013, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D.PASSMORE

1972 3/4 ton 4X4 - another hard part to locate is the rear brake cable (one year only) for a eaton Ho52. I been holding onto a NOS one for a while, cannot find a match or suitable replacement anywhere.

David, I found a shop recently that will make cables for almost anything and custom cables too. Might take me a little bit to dig up their info, PM me if you are interested in it. I ordered cables for my 68 swb from them and they fit perfectly and are made in the USA.

V6GMC · 11-12-2015, 09:16 PM

I Have A 1971 Chevy Dana 44 3/4 ton Front Axle With The Factory Mount On The Axle Tube.

**DeadheadNM** · 11-13-2015, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V6GMC

I Have A 1971 Chevy Dana 44 3/4 ton Front Axle With The Factory Mount On The Axle Tube.

A 1971 manufacture date would be potentially be correct for the 72 model year depending on the month...

01-11-2013, 08:39 PM	#1
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,278	Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? What year 4x4s had steering stabilizers? '72 only? Pics (Thanks Tom Korinek) show what I believe is an OEM stabilizer bracket ('72 Blazer) on the tie rod: the stabilizer attaches to a plate affixed onto the Dana 44 as shown. Was the stabilizer offered for all years? Attached Images __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

01-12-2013, 09:23 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? '72 was the first year,as far as I know. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 01-12-2013 at 09:30 AM.

01-12-2013, 10:46 AM	#3
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,278	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? Interesting...learn new things here all the time. I guess that bracket is one year only deal then. The '72 model had several one-offs: doors, door panels, window regulators, tow hooks, aux tank, SS tailgate handle cover, rear view mirror... __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

01-12-2013, 12:40 PM	#4
D.PASSMORE One of the First Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: St. Augustine,FL. Posts: 4,047	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? 1972 3/4 ton 4X4 - another hard part to locate is the rear brake cable (one year only) for a eaton Ho52. I been holding onto a NOS one for a while, cannot find a match or suitable replacement anywhere. __________________ DAVID PASSMORE ST AUGUSTINE ,FL ZIP 32084 '71 SWB K/10 CUSTOM DELUXE (Chili) '72 BLAZER K/5 Muscle Truck (Mule) '72 LWB K/20 CHEYENNE (Blackie)

01-12-2013, 02:08 PM	#6
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,691	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? Since the front is a dana thing, and if 72 was the first year, wouldn't it be the same from 72 up to late 70s-early 80s? __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

01-12-2013, 03:29 PM	#7
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 15,834	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? From what i recall 72 was the first year and in 73 the tie rod did'nt have the bolt on bracket but a hole made in the tie rod __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man

01-13-2013, 08:40 PM	#9
sboris Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Osceola, Ia Posts: 2,016	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? So are these after market? Seem old.. Mounted on a 70chassis. The one on the tie rod seems the same.. Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Shawn 68 chevy K/20 05 chevy 3/4 4x4 71 short step-sold 71 chevy Beauville van My build. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633039 Last edited by sboris; 01-13-2013 at 09:59 PM.

01-13-2013, 09:00 PM	#10
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,278	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? The tie rod bracket looks like a GM piece. __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

01-13-2013, 09:51 PM	#11
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,495	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? ^^ Yup. And the axle bracket is aftermarket. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

01-13-2013, 09:57 PM	#12
sboris Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Osceola, Ia Posts: 2,016	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? Interesting! Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Shawn 68 chevy K/20 05 chevy 3/4 4x4 71 short step-sold 71 chevy Beauville van My build. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633039

01-13-2013, 10:25 PM	#13
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? Probably the tie rod bracket was taken from a '72 at some point __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-14-2013, 11:35 PM	#14
AHowe88 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Metrowest, MA Posts: 254	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? Digging up an old thread here... I have a 72 without any steering stabilizer, or the hardware for it. Where some made without, or was it just taken off at some point? I'd like to add a stabilizer, without the hardware on the truck, what are my options? The ones I looked at don't come with the mounting hardware.

08-15-2013, 12:15 AM	#16
Spartan Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Backwoods, OR Posts: 888	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? My 69 has one. looks og...always thought it was factory. d44 closed knuckle. still learning. i guess ill remove it! __________________ '69 K20 350/4 speed/Rockwell/D44/HO52. "orange rhymes with door hinge"

08-15-2013, 09:59 PM	#19
JayDubBlazer go cyclones Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 1,885	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? So is that just a shock? I ordered from rancho what I thought was the right charged cylinder but it arrived with threaded rods on both ends. __________________ Wes PROJECT OLE GREEN 1972 Blazer 4X4 350/700R4 2017 Silverado LT

08-15-2013, 10:02 PM	#20
67swb72klb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: livingston co.mi Posts: 2,447	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? I thought that 69's were open knuckle ? __________________ California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project



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08-19-2013, 11:12 PM	#22
Spartan Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Backwoods, OR Posts: 888	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? okay... I went out to the farm and took pics over the weekend. Cant upload photos, at least not the same way I used to and I'm not computer literate so I'm gonna just throw my hands up. Kind of a bummer tho because pics say it all. Here's what I learned about my truck. The axle is factory. I assumed the stabilizer was because it all has the same rust (LOL). It is bolted on tho and the plate that has the stabilizer bolted to it also has the driver side shock bolted to it so it serves dual purpose as stabilizer and shock mount and bolts to the axle outboard of the spring perch. I find it kind of interesting that it shares a bracket with the shock but it is a beefy stamped u-bolted item. I guess I wont remove it after all. Looks like it was meant to be there. c Beers! Nim __________________ '69 K20 350/4 speed/Rockwell/D44/HO52. "orange rhymes with door hinge"

11-12-2015, 09:16 PM	#24
V6GMC Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Billerica Massachusetts Posts: 7	Re: Educate me: Steering stabilizers on 4wd, all years? I Have A 1971 Chevy Dana 44 3/4 ton Front Axle With The Factory Mount On The Axle Tube.

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