Before rack and pinion steering was introduced, a common steering design was the recirculating ball method. The downside to this type of steering was that it could cause vibrations and could make the vehicle difficult to steer; therefore, many manufacturers have moved to rack and pinion. But with lifted trucks, particularly those with a straight axle, the recirculating ball system is still the best way to go; as such, these trucks need a steering stabilizer for easier turning. In this case, the vehicle is a 2004 Ford Super Duty truck, but the process is similar for other vehicles as well.
Park the vehicle in a shaded area, and make sure the wheels are straight. Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels so that the vehicle won't roll in any direction. Crawl underneath the vehicle and locate the stabilizer bracket, which is secured to the axle bracket on the front of the front axle. (This is not on every vehicle, so if you don't have one, don't panic.) Remove the bracket using the 1/2 inch ratchet and socket. Remove the stabilizer assembly at the same time as well.
Remove the steering stabilizer shock from the kit and extend it approximately halfway of its travel. To find out how much that is, extend the shock all the way using your hands, and approximate a halfway point; then push it to that location.
Insert the steering stabilizer into the new axle bracket provided in the kit, using the provided hardware. There is a bushing sleeve that goes in the rubber bushing at the top of the shock; then a bolt and washer goes through the bracket and is secured with the 1/2 inch ratchet and socket with a nut and washer.
Attach the steering stabilizer to the tie rod bracket provided in the kit, using the provided hardware. There is a threaded stud that bolts to the shock with a nut and washer, and another that secures to the bottom bolt of the axle bracket with another washer and nut. Tighten these bolts with the 1/2 inch ratchet and socket.
Attach the axle bracket on the steering stabilizer to the factory axle bracket, using the provided hardware in the kit and the 1/2 inch ratchet and socket. Attach the tie rod bracket to the tie rod using the U-bolts, nuts and washers provided in the kit, and tighten it down using the 1/2 inch ratchet and socket. The U-bolts surround the tie rod and hold it solidly in place, allowing the shock to work.
Double-check all hardware for tightness, using the 1/2 inch ratchet and socket, then turn on the vehicle. Turn the steering wheel from side to side to make sure the steering stabilizer and brackets don't bind on anything and the shock doesn't bottom out. If the shock does bottom out, unbolt it from the axle bracket and adjust accordingly.
