Topic: Steering Damper - the worlds best mod ? (Read 14076 times)

Lornaben · « **on:** April 20, 2009, 11:27:58 PM »

Why did no-one tell me that steering dampers are the best thing in the world to fit to a wobbly Jeep ?

It is quite possibly the single most dramatic modification I have ever made.

Before - 25-30 mph wobble wobble shake shake. It was so violent the front wheels would leave the ground :twisted: (never been over 60 before, It was too scary), no wobbles. It even goes in a straight line by itself just like a 'normal' car, even with one hand on the steering wheel and that's something I haven't dared do for 8 years :mrgreen:

[attachment=0:1ormsxsl]damper.jpg[/attachment:1ormsxsl]

greggmo · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2009, 11:32:33 PM »

yup steerin damper good. whare ya have that one from dood?

Lornaben · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2009, 11:34:43 PM »

Dave at Llama4x4 supplied it. :wink:

Lornaben · « **Reply #3 on:** April 20, 2009, 11:38:58 PM »

Got them seats and harnesses in too :mrgreen:

[attachment=0:ccqvcpq1]seats.jpg[/attachment:ccqvcpq1]

greggmo · « **Reply #4 on:** April 20, 2009, 11:41:12 PM »

oh right. where has he vanished to anyway?

Lornaben · « **Reply #5 on:** April 20, 2009, 11:41:57 PM »

Didn't know he'd vanished :shock:

greggmo · « **Reply #6 on:** April 20, 2009, 11:43:07 PM »

i aint seen him on here for ages mate.

Lornaben · « **Reply #7 on:** April 20, 2009, 11:48:15 PM »

Now you mention it ....

Bishops Finger · « **Reply #8 on:** April 20, 2009, 11:55:49 PM »

Steering dampers......Think GC needs one...

Lornaben · « **Reply #9 on:** April 20, 2009, 11:57:16 PM »

At the risk of goin on about it, the difference is nothing short of shocking :mrgreen:

Nosebolt · « **Reply #10 on:** April 21, 2009, 12:14:14 AM »

steering dampers are evil (but nice).

I took mine off till I found the real reason for the death wobble, which was incorrect caster angle, and then re-fitted the damper. true you can hide a lot with the damper but better to fix problem not just hide it.

i'll get off my high horse now :oops:

Tragic · « **Reply #11 on:** April 21, 2009, 07:24:03 PM »

Lornaben · « **Reply #12 on:** April 21, 2009, 08:09:52 PM »

Your right chaps.
What I haven't told ya is that I have also replaced 2 tie rod ends and a steering bell crank. I've also had my wheels re-balanced cos one had chucked a weight somewhere 'froadin.
The wobble is now just a gentle 'shimmy' at 25 - 30 mph. This is caused by the flex in the steering drag link because it has spring loading built in to each end. The springs could be upgraded to stronger versions and that would probably rule out the wobble altogether. Only problem there would be the premature wear on the ball joints the springs hold on to. A power steering conversion would also stop it cos that would eliminate the 2 spring loaded joints and the worm and roller steering box.
My enthusiasm is born from the fact there is suddenly no bump steer or sudden wanderings caused by uneven road surfaces, the steering damper just calmed it completely, making it a joy to drive again, and it should also mean the steering wheel won't try to take my thumbs off when out playin in the mud :mrgreen:

ferretjuggler · « **Reply #13 on:** April 21, 2009, 08:41:10 PM »

I was gonna ask if you'd tried it with the standard size wheels/tyres but you are in front of me Alan.
Well done finding the real cause of the wobble instead of just trying to cover it up.
I must say both my low milage Brave and the "spares" rust bucket (with cracked old tyres) both steer lighter and better than any series Land Rover I've ever owned, recirculating balls 'n' all, and thats including the one I spent ££££ on recon steering box, new relay, swivels, ball joints, and radial tyres.

isle of man · « **Reply #14 on:** April 21, 2009, 08:48:05 PM »

Steering dampers are GHAY!!!

Bishops Finger · « **Reply #15 on:** April 21, 2009, 09:06:51 PM »

The one I ordered from Qtech last night is....

Lornaben and wheat beer are to blame...

Lornaben · « **Reply #16 on:** April 21, 2009, 09:07:42 PM »

:drinkers:

dxmedia · « **Reply #17 on:** April 22, 2009, 01:05:40 PM »

Quote from: "Lornaben"

Your right chaps.
What I haven't told ya is that I have also replaced 2 tie rod ends and a steering bell crank. I've also had my wheels re-balanced cos one had chucked a weight somewhere 'froadin.
The wobble is now just a gentle 'shimmy' at 25 - 30 mph. This is caused by the flex in the steering drag link because it has spring loading built in to each end. The springs could be upgraded to stronger versions and that would probably rule out the wobble altogether. Only problem there would be the premature wear on the ball joints the springs hold on to. A power steering conversion would also stop it cos that would eliminate the 2 spring loaded joints and the worm and roller steering box.
My enthusiasm is born from the fact there is suddenly no bump steer or sudden wanderings caused by uneven road surfaces, the steering damper just calmed it completely, making it a joy to drive again, and it should also mean the steering wheel won't try to take my thumbs off when out playin in the mud :?:

Lornaben · « **Reply #18 on:** April 22, 2009, 05:55:30 PM »

Nope, all wheels run true. As tested and observed at the balancing machine :wink:

Nosebolt · « **Reply #19 on:** April 22, 2009, 06:01:49 PM »

have you checked the toe and caster?

with mine i had to add 6* shims (8* would still be better) and i set the toe in to 2* (book is 1*) gives a little tyre wear but better ride so worth it

Bishops Finger · « **Reply #20 on:** April 24, 2009, 01:31:53 AM »

Well

SKyjacker $43..from Quadratec

Freight $63+...Agreed to it....what a dick...hope happy shopper fitting mayo isn't too much... :shock:

isle of man · « **Reply #21 on:** April 24, 2009, 10:20:06 AM »

Quote from: "Bishops Finger"

SKyjacker $43..from Quadratec

Freight $63+...Agreed to it....what a dick..... :shock:

Good God man!!!!!!

Lornaben · « **Reply #22 on:** April 24, 2009, 11:48:13 AM »

Quote from: "Bishops Finger"

Well

SKyjacker $43..from Quadratec

Freight $63+...Agreed to it....what a dick...hope happy shopper fitting mayo isn't too much... :shock:

:shock:

Bubba · « **Reply #23 on:** April 24, 2009, 09:35:52 PM »

i have had it with 100% standard leaf sprung landys replaced everything and p.o.s still wobbled like a bastard if you are very brave read stoopid i found letting go of the wheel it would stop but fuck that was a scary experament the only cure that worked was a damper

Lornaben · « **Reply #24 on:** April 10, 2011, 05:05:50 PM »

Sorry for the thread revival.

Just thought I'd show the kingpin bearings I replaced yesterday. This would account for the last bit of wobble I hope

[attachment=1]

Author Topic: Steering Damper - the worlds best mod ? (Read 14076 times)

Bishops Finger

Nosebolt

ferretjuggler

Bishops Finger

dxmedia

Nosebolt

Bishops Finger