Yellowtruck

I'm embarassed to say this but, I just noticed that my original stabilizer is still on my truck. I just bought a Old Man Emu stabilizer to replace the aftermarket one I have on now. The guy I bought my truck from, 7 years ago, put it on with brackets. It's crap now, hence why the replacement.
My question is....do you still the need the factory one along with an aftermarket one? Won't my new OME replace the two that are on my truck. It must because to get the OME on, the original has to come off for room.
Anyone ever encounter this?
91' P/U V6

Snotrocket

I just replaced my stabilizer today. How is the second one attached to the truck?

btw if you've never taken one off go buy a pickle fork and thank me when you're done.

Godzilla

This is proabably much similair to the 2nd gen 4unners, so when I replaced mine, I only had one on there (the factory one), I just removed the stock one with some swears and a pickle fork, and put the OME one on in its place. I assume that the aftermarket one may have a bracket to go around the stock one? Regardless, the OME directly replaces the OEM one.

bry-an

make sure if they didnt leave a castle nut and cotter pin that you double nut it , and maybe throw a lock washer and some locktite on there, but steering components should use castle nuts and cotter pins.


( all this is on the side that DOESNT bolt to the frame)

also there should only be one on there, the previous owner probably added one hence the brackets.

Yellowtruck

Yeah, the second one was attached with after market brackets to drop it down about 6-8". I figured that the OME would be the only one needed but, just wanted to make sure before I go wrenching around.
There are still castle nuts and cotter pins so, that's a good thing. I plan on swapping them out this afternoon (hopefully with minimal swears).
I'm sure my friend Casey knows what it is but, what is a "pickle fork"? This is something that I've never encountered.

Godzilla

A pickle fork is also known as a balljoint or tie rod end tool. Usually you can loan these from the auto shops that have a tool loan program, though they are very handy for many applications. Basically a forked metal tool that from the tip of the fork to the back it slowly increases in size, pretty much a wedge. So you can get the loosening started and hammer the end of it and eventually break the part free.

http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Mainte...ickle_fork.jpg

CanTheWhales

It's a tool, kinda U shaped with two prongs, to help loosen/detach the pitman arm/other similar steering components.... Not necessary, but would make the process easier. I didn't have one and used a torch & BFH and that worked too. (Note, torch will set old rubber bushings on fire) Now that I think about it, that was four years ago and I think it's blown again...

EDIT: beat me to Pickle explanation... oh, well

MSR

If your tires are smaller than 35's the ome is the only stabilizer you need

Yellowtruck

Thanks for the edumecation! Now that you showed me a pic of it, I can remember seeing one before. Pretty sure my friend has one in his tool collection.
My tires are 33x12.5 so, hopefully the one OME is all I need. I'll find out this afternoon.
Thanks guys.

bry-an

it makes a world of difference those stabilizers... you cant even feel washboard up through the steering at all after its weird. I tried to use a pickle fork but It would fit in my pickle jar so I gave it away

Yellowtruck

I got the factory and Rancho stabilizers pulled last night. We didn't have a pickle fork but, we did have a jaw puller and that worked very well. That's a great little tool. We got the new OME installed with minimal difficulty. Honestly, I didn't notice a huge difference....at first. This morning I really started to notice a huge difference just in driving down my unpaved driveway. MUCH better!!!

M threezy

What do you recommend for an IFS truck with 35's. I like the OME one since it bolts right up to stock but will it suffice for 35's?