This topic is being discussed on the 2011-2016 forum but I am interested in the general concensus.
I have now had three different stabilizers on my trucks: original Motorcraft (F81A-3E651-DA), the NAPA (SC-2961) and Bilstein (24-158848). They are all gas-charged.
The Motorcraft and NAPA are neutral and the pushrod does not automatically extend and provides equal resistance to force in both directions.
The Bilstein functions like a shock...the pressure pushed the rod outward at all times. When the Bilstein is mounted this outward pressure exerts a slight pressure which moves the steering to the left when mounted on the passenger side. Its a subtle pressure but turning the wheel to the left is slightly easier than to the right. In other words, when your tires hit an object that wants to deflect the wheels left, then the Bilstein actually assists this undesirable effect rather than abate it.
I wrote Bilstein about this and asked if these were designed for dual opposing positions.
The response is below:
Thanks for contacting us about our products. Our steering stabilizer part number 24-158848 is the correct part for your F250. This is a stock style replacement stabilizer for your truck. It is not designed to be used in pairs.
Most shocks we produce for trucks and SUV’s are a mono tube and this is the same for our stabilizers. A mono tube shock/stabilizer has to have a bit of gas force pressure for it to function correctly. If our stabilizer is causing it to pull but the factory Motorcraft unit does not you may want to look into a warranty return. Warranty returns go back through our distributors. "
Technical Sales and Warranty Support Expert
thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Inc
I may go back to a genuine Motorcraft Steering Stabilizer.
I have now had three different stabilizers on my trucks: original Motorcraft (F81A-3E651-DA), the NAPA (SC-2961) and Bilstein (24-158848). They are all gas-charged.
The Motorcraft and NAPA are neutral and the pushrod does not automatically extend and provides equal resistance to force in both directions.
The Bilstein functions like a shock...the pressure pushed the rod outward at all times. When the Bilstein is mounted this outward pressure exerts a slight pressure which moves the steering to the left when mounted on the passenger side. Its a subtle pressure but turning the wheel to the left is slightly easier than to the right. In other words, when your tires hit an object that wants to deflect the wheels left, then the Bilstein actually assists this undesirable effect rather than abate it.
I wrote Bilstein about this and asked if these were designed for dual opposing positions.
The response is below:
Thanks for contacting us about our products. Our steering stabilizer part number 24-158848 is the correct part for your F250. This is a stock style replacement stabilizer for your truck. It is not designed to be used in pairs.
Most shocks we produce for trucks and SUV’s are a mono tube and this is the same for our stabilizers. A mono tube shock/stabilizer has to have a bit of gas force pressure for it to function correctly. If our stabilizer is causing it to pull but the factory Motorcraft unit does not you may want to look into a warranty return. Warranty returns go back through our distributors. "
Technical Sales and Warranty Support Expert
thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Inc
I may go back to a genuine Motorcraft Steering Stabilizer.