Steering Dampers, Yea Or Nay

Okay I am going to ask this even though I know I am going to get a lot of “ those are just a bandaid “ responses.
I am thinking of installing one on my 3b and possibly my cj5 when it’s done.
I have all new suspension and steering components and everything has been adjusted properly so I’m not trying to mask a problem I just was looking for opinions.

 

They are not just a bandaid. If they were, they would only be available through aftermarket suppliers, not standard OEM equipment on millions of vehicles. And if they existed in the 40s when these things were designed, the engineers probably would have included them.





Bring on the hate mail. Let the anger consume you.

 

With an already worn-out setup, yes it's a bandaid. With a new and properly installed setup, I can see where it would extend the life of the steering system.

 

Yes, yes, yes.. they can save a thumb or two as well..

 

It's worth it.
Even just flat towing it keeps the rest of the system steady.
But like others said. Caster shims are likely the correct thing to use if you are experiencing an issue. The dampener just helps with potholes and bump steer.

 

They aid in kick back situations such as large rocks or trees where the terrain is effecting the tires.

 

See post #17 in this thread, Fireball explained it really well.
Revisiting The “death Wobble” | ECJ5 (earlycj5.com)

 

Does anyone have a picture of how they mount or a brand that you have used?

 

Here's how mine is, unfortunately I paint everything black but you have a saddle with ear on the axle snugged against the spring pack then another set of saddles and u-bolts around the tie rod. Dampener goes between and end termination varies so buy a kit.
20190817_002322 by Joe with a jeep, on Flickr

20221230_131353 by Joe with a jeep, on Flickr

 

Thanks Joe. I decided to get a Rancho kit .
Appreciate the suggestion. If I like it I’ll probably get another one for the cj5

 

Just a reminder, you need to use an actual steering dampener. They are constructed to have zero "lash" and will work properly horizontally. Bolting on a shock, even a 50/50 one won't work properly.

 

I read @jeepdaddy2000 as just being helpful, he might have a story to tell...

Most of the regulars know to make sure they are picking a steering dampener. But like differential cases and carriers I can see a new-to-cars person getting mixed up and buying 5 stock shocks after one too many thinking they all look the same.

 

I think that most anything subject to lots of back and forth movement will benefit from a shock absorber (stabilizer, whatever). but if problems start occurring (looseness or wobbling), my view is that simply replacing the shock/stabilizer isn't a "fix". You need to fix the root of the problem, some joints or connections are loose or worn out, or cracked.

 

This

My point is steering stabilizers valving won't allow any movement without dampening. Many 50/50 shocks worked back and forth in the horizontal can get minor "cavitation" where you can move the shaft a small amount left and right before the dampening starts.

 

Only put one on if you need it. It makes the steering harder offroad. But if it whips the steering wheel out of your hands alot from hitting stuff then it would be beneficial. I had one on my 2a but I like it better without and ill be a little more carefull about my thumbs. The fc never needed one. My cj5 is currently the only one with one. Iv always had it. Took it off when I replaced the leaf springs and immediately got death wobble so i put it back on. I added caster shims and it didnt help.

 

AFAIK.........& from the " Death Wobble " threads, it often depends on your intended use. Mostly Hi -way CJ's need them for the possible road hazards @ speed . On low & slow trails , they help not tear your arms & hands all to hell , but typically not if your Jeep has PS ? I would suggest that possibly just buy 1 & then ' Try 'em out ' on your different Jeeps ?