Rancho Steering Dampner
Rancho Steering Dampner
- Thread starter mustangduane
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Sasquach
Crazy Sr. Respected Jeeper
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- 1978 CJ5, 258 w/4.0head, Mopar MPI, P.S., P.B.,Tilt wheel, No stereo, t-18, t-20, amc 20, dana-30 w/tru-trac, Warn full float w/locking hubs & Detroit locker in the AMC.
1964 CJ3B, 4-134
1952 M100 trailer
A steering dampner will do nothing to help road handling problems.
Best thing you can do is to replace worn components as you mentioned, I went through the same process with my 78 and replaced worn tie rod ends, corrected the lack of caster from lift with degree shims, new tires, new steering box when I went power, allready had new shocks. Jeep went from scarry to drive above 40mph to being able to actualy enjoy the scenery.
Oh and I also tried with and without a dampner and made no difference as far as I could tell. ended up without thinking that because it gets towed it would be less wear on the tires trying to follow the truck around.
I do not have a steering brace but think it would be a good idea as you can see the box flex when you have the wheels off the ground and push/pull on them.
Best thing you can do is to replace worn components as you mentioned, I went through the same process with my 78 and replaced worn tie rod ends, corrected the lack of caster from lift with degree shims, new tires, new steering box when I went power, allready had new shocks. Jeep went from scarry to drive above 40mph to being able to actualy enjoy the scenery.
Oh and I also tried with and without a dampner and made no difference as far as I could tell. ended up without thinking that because it gets towed it would be less wear on the tires trying to follow the truck around.
I do not have a steering brace but think it would be a good idea as you can see the box flex when you have the wheels off the ground and push/pull on them.
Old Dog
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^^what he said. I have power steering and do not run one at all.
mustangduane
Jeeper
First hand experiences, just what I was hoping for! Looks like I will skip the steering dampner for now and work on the other stuff.
The tires are definately a must, the tread is ok, but they look a bit dry rotted, and are probably very old.
It has a new steering box as per PO and has power steering.
The tie rods will need to be replaced
The shocks are SHOT, one is actually broken after a closer look tonight.
How will I know if I have a caster problem??
Thanks again!
Duane
The tires are definately a must, the tread is ok, but they look a bit dry rotted, and are probably very old.
It has a new steering box as per PO and has power steering.
The tie rods will need to be replaced
The shocks are SHOT, one is actually broken after a closer look tonight.
How will I know if I have a caster problem??
Thanks again!
Duane
Sasquach
Crazy Sr. Respected Jeeper
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- Santa Ynez, Ca.
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- 1978 CJ5, 258 w/4.0head, Mopar MPI, P.S., P.B.,Tilt wheel, No stereo, t-18, t-20, amc 20, dana-30 w/tru-trac, Warn full float w/locking hubs & Detroit locker in the AMC.
1964 CJ3B, 4-134
1952 M100 trailer
Caster probs are caused by changes in pinion angle when a lift is done. If your CJ is stock height you are most likely OK, if it's lifted take a look at the pinion angle as it should be level or square to the road. If it is pointed up towards the Tcase then you may have some issues with that.
Do a search and you will find more info on how to measure the angle and what it should be.
Do a search and you will find more info on how to measure the angle and what it should be.
fire3096
Jeeper
Try a shackle reversal. They say that helps a ton....I plan on doing that to my cj one day...
Old Dog
Always Off-Roading Jeeper
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I'd research that first, I've known a couple people who did it and ended up going back to stock.
BajaEdition
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70 cj6 4 inch lift
Thanks for that answer Old Dog, Shackle reversals are not for handling reasons
I have to agree with everyone about doing the steering repairs before putting on a damper, all a damper does is damper, and that hides the problem, not fixes it. I take the damper off a jeep when I get it till I get the steering fixed, then I put it back on only if it needs it for off road reasons, I have never needed on on the street.
I have to agree with everyone about doing the steering repairs before putting on a damper, all a damper does is damper, and that hides the problem, not fixes it. I take the damper off a jeep when I get it till I get the steering fixed, then I put it back on only if it needs it for off road reasons, I have never needed on on the street.