Safe-T-Plus Steering Control

[Paul Lord]

Good day all, We recently purchased a 1986 Winnebago Chieftain 31 and have removed 2 Safe-T-Plus steering control shocks. They are in bad shape and would like to replace them but they are quite expensive. Any suggestions as to if they should be replaced or can the Winne be driven safely without these 2 shocks. Thanks, Paul.

[Russell E Johnson]

It is not safe to drive without the stabilizers. I personally use the ones made by Monroe. 

[Daniel Long]

Yikes. Just yikes. I have one in my Allegro and the old one was shot. The new Monroe one went in, easy peasy and made the ride so much better. It went from flying a Catalina to a Cessna (okay, maybe a Beech). If yours has 2 shocks that just makes me even more nervous.

How can you even think of doing the slaloms or the dragon down in the Carolinas without 'em?

[Paul Lord]

Thanks guys. Will follow your advice and replace the 2 shocks. The lady at Safe-T-Plus wrote that the model I have is not one of thier's so it's 1985 P-30 chassis parts hunting. Thanks again, Paul.

[Daniel Long]

Uh, that's my chassis. I used a Monroe Shock.

Link is here:

https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1985/chevrolet/p30/steering/steer...

[Paul Lord]

Thanks Daniel, Checked out the link and will order.

[Paul Lord]

Found out that this is not the part needed. Allready have a brand new #22011982 which is the idle arm shock absorber. The shocks are an aftermarket addition and are not from Safe-T-Plus. They are connected from the main steering rod to the frame. Will keep on looking for replacement part. Thanks for the info.

[Daniel Long]

Sorry. Glad you checked. My P30 just has this shock on the passenger side as the damper. Didn't know you had another 2 just on the connector! I'm considering replacing my idler arms as part of my steering upgrade. She wanders a bit even with the damper and I fear that both of the idler arms are worn. Don't know why after 32 years and only 48K miles.

[Paul Lord]

32 years is lots of wear and tear even with the low mileage. Our idler arm driver side is to be replaced as well as the damper shock, front discs, rear discs, removing back-up gas tank, changing plugs, wires, distributor cap and a carb rebuild. We just bought this 31 foot rig, it has 60K, 454 4bbl and was made in Detroit in 1985. Newly retired so lots of time to look after this project. Our summers are short up here in Québec, but we'll take our time to do this right. Thanks for the info.

[Rich Thomas]

Hi Paul is there a chance you have an aftermarket dampening set up that someone retro fitted to your rig. I know that back in the day Rancharo  and a few others like maybe Monroe or Skyjacker made a double shock system for four wheel drive trucks with the lifted chassis and big tires. It may be possible they came from that industry; a lot of shared parts between trucks vans and RV chassis in those days. It may be worth a try to look at some of those.

[Paul Lord]

Thanks Rich, Have just arrived from a wedding in Connecticut but will check this out when unpacked. All the best.