1997 k1500 burb has fifth shock absorber..?

[hi54lofi]

Hey all, I have tried to find what this is. i have a shock absorber for the steering rack, and I am trying to find out what it is used for, and if i need to replace it. mine looks OE and it has 200,000 miles. thanks in advance!!

 

[Orpedcrow]

They’re called a Steering stabilizer.

 

[Schurkey]

Perhaps a moderator will move this out of the ENGINE section, and into "Stock Suspension + Bolt On Kits".

 

[GoToGuy]

Is it OE, attachments welded on. Or is it aftermarket with bolt on brackets?

 

[454cid]

Assuming it's factory, I've replaced mine twice, I think. There isn't much out there to replace the GM steering stabilizer other than a Monroe, and possibly an ACDelco. I never really noticed much differance, but at 200K miles, it wouldn't hurt.... they're not expensive, but I wouldn't make it a priority if you've got other things to take care of.

I'm guessing this is an 8-lug truck, and probably 4x4? Most GMT-400's don't have them, and I assume why the replacement part selection is so thin.

 

[offroadtahoe]

i have a thread made about them with pics gets lost in the search function also out of all three for me the bilstein was the best https://www.gmt400.com/threads/cognito-braces-and-steering-dampner.60499/#post-1348217