chip - the dampers are meant to prevent shimmy and road wandering caused by surface irregularities and smooth out the feel of the steering, but I think are mostly "needed" on the old vehicles when folks put newer radial sizes on that are too wide for the stock steering geometry or something is badly worn .... some newer vehicles come with them, but mostly you find them on motorcycles and bicycles .... for the dangers, one is that improper sizing or installation can restrict turning one or both ways
Bill
