2017-2019 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke Steering Stabilizers

Stabilizers on the 2017-2019 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke

Ford built every 2017-2019 Super Duty with hydraulic power-assisted recirculating-ball steering and a damper on the steering linkage. A steering stabilizer is a shock absorber for that linkage: it resists the quick back-and-forth movement a bump can start in the front end. On a 4x4, the linkage runs across the solid Monobeam front axle. You can find parts for every other system on this engine through our Powerstroke hub.

What fails and why

The documented problem is steering wheel oscillation after a bump at speeds above about 45 mph, a violent shake through the wheel that lasts until the truck slows. Reports start around 10,000 miles, and 2019 complaints average about 18,750 miles. Ford's answer, program 20N04 under TSB 19-2392, replaces the factory damper with a redesigned unit in a 0.4-hour job and extends damper coverage to 7 years or 100,000 miles. It applies to 4x4 F-250 and F-350 trucks and all F-450 and F-550; 4x2 trucks are not in it. Some owners say a damper alone was a band-aid, with the wobble returning because front-end wear or caster was the real cause. Those reports are anecdotal, but they are worth heeding.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

The redesigned OE damper from 20N04 is the factory fix, and it is sold as an OE replacement after the program. The aftermarket route owners report most often for 2019 wobble is a dual steering stabilizer kit, done with an alignment. A dual kit puts two shocks on the linkage instead of one. A single aftermarket stabilizer is the closer like-for-like swap for the factory damper.

What we carry

BDS Suspension dual steering stabilizer kits come in a 0-2 inch lift version and a 2.5-9 inch lift version, and BDS sells the dual stabilizer mounting kit for 2.5-9 inch lifts on its own. For the F-450 and F-550, BDS offers a dual stabilizer kit with FOX 2.0 performance shocks, listed for 2017-2024 2WD and 4WD. If you want a single unit, the Bilstein B8 5100 Series steering stabilizer, part 24-286558, is listed for 2017-2026 6.7L Powerstroke 4WD trucks.

Fitment notes

Pick a stabilizer kit by the lift actually on the truck: the BDS 0-2 inch kit is for stock-height and leveled trucks, and the 2.5-9 inch kit is for lifted ones. The BDS 0-2 inch, 2.5-9 inch and Bilstein units are listed for 4WD; the FOX kit is the one that covers 2WD, and only on the F-450 and F-550. Lifts of 4 inches and up also need steering correction such as a drop pitman arm. Adaptive Steering trucks have a different steering wheel and column module, which matters if your job reaches the column. When in doubt, verify by VIN.

Frequently asked questions

Is an aftermarket dual stabilizer better than Ford's redesigned damper?

They come at the problem differently. The 20N04 damper is Ford's own fix for 2017-2019 oscillation. Dual stabilizer kits are the aftermarket fix owners report most often in 2019 wobble complaints. If your truck is still covered under 20N04, use the program first; if the wobble comes back, inspect the front end and alignment before adding parts.

Which BDS kit fits my truck?

Go by lift height. BDS sells a dual kit for 0-2 inches of lift and another for 2.5-9 inches, plus a separate mounting kit for the 2.5-9 inch range. F-450 and F-550 owners have their own BDS kit with FOX 2.0 shocks.

Can a new stabilizer hide a worn front end?

It can mask it for a while. Owners report wobble returning after a damper-only fix when front-end wear or caster was the underlying cause. Pair a stabilizer with a front-end inspection and an alignment.

Are 2WD F-250 and F-350 trucks part of the 20N04 program?

No. The program covers 4x4 F-250 and F-350 and all F-450 and F-550. The 4x2 F-250 and F-350 use Twin-I-Beam front suspension instead of the solid axle.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.