The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Steering Damper on a Stovebolt

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There is probably about a 2% chance I will do actually do anything like this. Just trying to learn something.

Last night, while searching for a part number on Rock Auto, I came across their listing for a steering damper. It’s a Gabriel, shock style thing, and it said it’s for vehicles that already have the mounting setup. A search for that mounting setup came up empty, but it took me down a rabbit hole reading about folks who are using dampers on their old straight axle hot rods. Quite a few are using some kind of VW style damper, other fabbed up their own. Looks like the VW damper is widely available, and might be the basis for “universal” dampers that vendors like Speedway are selling. And you can find all kinds of beefier kits for various applications.

Anyone running one of these on their straight axle Stovebolt? I understand the alleged advantages, just curious if anyone experienced any steering feel/bump steer imrpovements in the real world.

A damper usually tries to compensate for trouble elsewhere, such as an incorrect sector preload adjustment or a bent steering arm or drag link that puts the "straight ahead" position of the steering gear somewhere to one side or the other of the steering gear center point. Dampers just try to hide the source of the real problem, like bent or worn parts. I think I'd prefer to spend my time and money on fabricating an adjustable length drag link or putting the steering system back to "as new" condition.
Jerry

I tried one on a straight axle pickup one time but did not like it. It was scary & awkward. It would work fine if it has power steering. With manual steering it is hard to make a quick turn.
They work good on 4 wheel drives with o-size wheels/tires & raised up.

George

My old '84 Mercedes has one from the factory. It also has a LOT of caster from the factory. I believe my K 2500 Suburban has one too. Both also have power steering. I never found the need on my 1-ton.

I'm with Hot Rod Lincoln on this one. I replaced the kingpins, new leaf springs, shackles, bolts, tie rod and drag link balls, springs, cups. I replaced the lever action shocks with pneumatic. I also adjusted the steering box lash to factory specs. With the help of other bolters on alignment specs it drives great! But you have to get everything up to snuff. You can't adjust out sloppy worn parts.