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12-27-2014, 12:33 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Lehighton Pa
Posts: 1,085
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Steering damper
Not looking for a lecture on the evils of steering damper! Just looking for a source for my 39 ford.I am having a problem with an occasional "death wobble"and so far cannot find the cause.
Rims are straight and tru Steering box is in good condition Toe in is about 1/8 Spring perches are tight Spring clamps tight No play in wheel bearings Rubber ball on radius rod ok Tie rod ends ok King pins ok Shocks new(tube shocks) Has a sway bar installed Tires good Thinking of installing a damper until I find the culprit. I would appreciate any suggestions,Thanks Phil Happy New Year to all. |
12-27-2014, 12:59 PM | #2 |
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Location: Florida and Penna.
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Re: Steering damper
I have steering dampers on several 39's and they work good. Mount to the cross steering rod and the axle. With the wheels straight put a chalk mark in the center of the axle and the steering rod. Turn the wheels all the way to the right and mark the axle where the steering rod mark is. Turn the all the way to the left and mark the axle. Measure the distance between the left and right marks on the axle, this is the stroke the cylinder needs to be. Get a steering shock with a little longer stroke. You can make the mounting parts if you can't buy them. G.M.
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12-27-2014, 01:10 PM | #3 |
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Location: Capital of Corruption , NY
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Re: Steering damper
This may work for you.
http://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_me...four-bars.html |
12-27-2014, 01:14 PM | #4 |
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Location: Santee, California
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Re: Steering damper
Do you have the king pin needle bearings installed? We have seen this complaint with them before. If so, I'd suggest you proceed with the damper arrangement as artfully described above. There are setups used frequently on CJ jeeps that can easily be modified to mount to the Ford axle.
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12-27-2014, 01:21 PM | #5 | |
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Location: Wisconsin, USA
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Re: Steering damper
Quote:
Are you running radials?
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12-27-2014, 01:31 PM | #6 |
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Re: Steering damper
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I probably don't need it, it doesn't get in the way and I feel better with it at freeway speeds. Karl |
12-27-2014, 02:06 PM | #7 |
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Location: Iowa
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Re: Steering damper
A damper is a crutch to cover repairing the problem. Your toe- in is too much. It should be no more than 1/16 th inch, and can be less, but not more less than zero. You say the tires are "good", but have you had them checked for balance and for "out of round". Shimmy can also be caused by flat spotting of bias ply tires, and a break in the inner wall of a tire. Try moving the wheels to different positions on the car to see if the problem changes. This is no lecture, but a list of things we have seen over the years.
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12-27-2014, 02:15 PM | #8 | |
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Location: Wisconsin, USA
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Re: Steering damper
Quote:
Radial tires require the front chassis to be in even better condition than when using bias ply.
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12-27-2014, 02:43 PM | #9 |
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Location: so cal, placerville, vegas
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Re: Steering damper
If Small is important, VW, as mentioned above. If Stout &Sturdy are important, then Jeep. I've got a Jeep damper with the Rancho name on it... looks (and sized) like an ordinary shock, and came with mounting brackets suitable for a Ford tie rod. Would need to modify or make bracket for stationary end.
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12-27-2014, 03:58 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Lehighton Pa
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Re: Steering damper
Nice afternoon in Pa.,took the car out for a 15 mile ride,no wobble,am going to install Jeep damper anyway,and adjust toe in to 1/16.Thanks to everyone for their help and suggestions.The tires are radial.Phil
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12-27-2014, 04:28 PM | #11 |
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Re: Steering damper
The Vw one is a nice tidy little chap, cheap to. It's the one that's usually repackaged by hotrod shops and doubled in price.
Personally I think it shouldn't be necessary, with everything being in spec, if you feel happier with one fitted, then do so. Martin. |
12-27-2014, 06:21 PM | #12 | |
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Location: Wisconsin, USA
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Re: Steering damper
Quote:
The installation of a dampener will most likely help but as Supereal has pointed out, it is only masking the real issue.
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12-27-2014, 08:52 PM | #13 |
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Re: Steering damper
Kube,What you say is most likely true.What I find strange is I have had many Early V8 Fords and have never had this problem.I had a 30 A sedan many years ago that had this problem,but it is a common problem with A,s.If my memroy serves me correctly the steering box on the a was worn badly! Phil
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12-29-2014, 04:38 PM | #14 |
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Location: Lehighton Pa
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Re: Steering damper
Up date,installed a steering stabilizer,problem solved.Phil
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