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Topic: stabilizer (Read 2116 times) previous topic - next topic

stabilizer

does anyone know if it is possible to install a steering stabilizer on an 86 Cougar? I am running oversized tires and she wanders around a little more then I'd like.  Thanks

stabilizer

Reply #1 –
That's something you just have to live with, and a stabilizer wouldn't help with that anyway. Wider tires tend to catch grooves in the road and get pulled around.

Anyway, far as I know you can't use a stabilizer with rack & pinion seering.

Garrett H.
'94 F250 XLT- 4x4, 5 speed, 7.3 IDI Turbo Diesel, 4" intake, 4" exhaust, 5" turnout stacks, manual hubs, etc.
'87 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
Engine, wheels, tires, etc!
Exhaust sound clip
Another clip

stabilizer

Reply #2 –
are your steering/suspension components up to snuff? and have you gotten an alignment recently?
2005 Subaru WRX STi|daily driver

stabilizer

Reply #3 –
How big are these tires? It shouldn't be wandering around that much. Check your bushings in the front end and also the steering rack.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

stabilizer

Reply #4 –
The 245/50's on my car wonder a bit.
One 88

stabilizer

Reply #5 –
thanks everyone. I should have elaberated a little more, I guess.  My  '86 has a complete new frontend from the rack out. I'm running 235/45/17 BF Goodrich G Force tires which are wearing bad on the outside edge. The car was aligned when the tires were mounted.  And back to the shop twice since then. I have about 7000 miles on them. Also, I have Helwig sway bars front and rear and KYB shocks and struts.
    How about this idea?  What does everyone think about upper strut braces and support?
    Oh yea, I should tell you I'm running a little more weight in the front end. A few years ago I went over the deep end and installed a Chevy 350 and turbo 350 trans into my Cat. NOW it runs.
                                                         
                                                    Jeff

stabilizer

Reply #6 –
Quote
installed a Chevy 350 and turbo 350 trans into my Cat.
Oh, oh. Now you've gone and done it!  :eek:
Better put on your asbestos underwear and your hardhat.  :flame:
Death awaits you all with nasty, big, pointy teeth.

1988 5.0 Bird, mostly stock, partly not, now gone to T-Bird heaven.
1990 Volvo 740GL. 114 tire-shredding horsies, baby!

stabilizer

Reply #7 –
That is blasphemy!!  Almost as bad as seeing a sweet chopped and channled '32 with the distributer in the back.
Matt :tg:

stabilizer

Reply #8 –
well there's your problem... you've got a chevy in the engine bay. :D

seriously though, get some caster/camber plates. should be able to get a better alignment.
2005 Subaru WRX STi|daily driver

stabilizer

Reply #9 –
Quote from: jhildy69
  A few years ago I went over the deep end and installed a Chevy 350 and turbo 350 trans into my Cat. NOW it runs.
                                                         
                                                    Jeff



Congrats, good to see someone being differant I myself built a SBC fox body a few years back.. in the form of an 85 coupe mustang.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
1974 maverick lsx powered turbo car SOLD
1973 maverick Tijuana Taxi Tribute
1957 chevy LSX Turbo project (race car)
Owner of Joe Dirt Fabrication

stabilizer

Reply #10 –
Quote from: jhildy69
A few years ago I went over the deep end and installed a Chevy 350 and turbo 350 trans into my Cat. NOW it runs.

You are one Sick Sick puppy! just you wait till I get my 351W into a camaro then we'll see, then we'll see *storms off*
1980 birds X 3, 1982 bird, 1984 XR7, 1988 TC

stabilizer

Reply #11 –
you guys are so close minded. Get some caster camber plates for a muistang. that will fix it.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

stabilizer

Reply #12 –
Just to let you guys know, I gave Ford TWO opportunities to prove their engines to me, and they failed miseribly. Originally my Cat had the pitiful 3.8. I hated the output. When the bearings went at 80,000 miles (and yes, I changed the oil and filter every 3000 miles), I had a factory rebuilt 3.8 bored 40 over installed at the local dealership. Well that motor ended up with a blownout spark plug which was found when I returned the car for a warrenty tuneup. Of course it "wasn't their fault". So I had this reworked (from the crank up)"79 350 laying around and thought, what the heck, this should give this car the power that it needs. Now a few thousand dollars and a lot of work latter, I have a Cat that well run with the best of um. Usually in the front. lol. Any way, I need to find a way to stop the wandering that I have . Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks, Jeff

stabilizer

Reply #13 –
I just posted a few pic,s of my Cat so hopefully they'll be up soon. The tires and wheels have been changed since these were taken. And as you can see, I am missing the rear valance. I was rearended and it was unrepairable. So if any of you guys has one laying around............Jeff

stabilizer

Reply #14 –
Thanks Haystacks, I was wondering if they would work. My next investment.  Jeff