2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Installed 99 t-steering on my 94 lost damper attachpoint

[SDrake]

In converting a 94 to 99 heavyduty steering (t-steering) I lost my damper attach point. The conversion was a snap, thanks to the information shared by others on this site. But I need to find a way to attach a steering damper. The new linkage does not have the hole for attaching the damper so i need a nifty bracket of some sort. The existing damper wants to attach right in the middle of the adjusting sleeve.



BTW I really like the t-steering. Toe in stays constant regardleas of load and it just feels right. To my amazement the greasable Moog ball joints were still tight as could be after over 200K miles of use. I drive mostly smooth roads.

 

[SRath]

I believe i saw where you mentioned in another post about having followed CumminsPower98's parts list. did you go to his webpage? He shows how he dealt with the steering damper there.

It is better than how my '96 damper, and probably your '94's, attach.

For the same reason the T-style steering eliminates toe in changes regardless of suspension travel, attaching your damper to the axle housing and tierod instead of the frame and tierod has a similar effect. It only has to damp steering changes, as it is intended to do, not suspension compression and extension, too. Mark shows what he did here: Ram Modifications

 

[DIESELWRKS]

I did my conversion awhile back and still haven't done the dampner. there is a kit I have seen been thinking about from Lift Kits, Leveling Kits, and Shock Absorbers - Suspension System Specialists! - Top Gun Customz that attaches to the axle tube and tierod not the frame. they have a single dampner version and a double. I dont know how much pro's are with a double system.

98-02 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Dual Steering Stabilizer Kit - Top Gun Customz

so is this the better way to go how this is mounted?

 

[SRath]

Duals look cool. But unless you are running at least 35 inch tires and/or doing some hardcore offroading, even the guys who make money selling them will tell you don't need them.



Just remember, the flip side of doubling the damping effect is you also increase the steering effort to some degree unless you turn your wheels verrrry slowly. The steering box won't thank you for that added strain.



Our Dodges are also a bit more crowded under there than a Chevy with a Dana 60. You have to allow room for the trackbar. So, personally, even though my snowplow truck falls into the "might be a good candidate for dual stabilizers" category, I'm just going with one good one to keep things simple.



I see that Top Gun ad also refers to "the rare 3. 75" dana 60 axle". Call me a Missourian, but until someone shows me photos or more concrete evidence that they exist, they will continue to rank slightly below sasquatch and greys on my things-I-believe-in list.

 

[Pavemen]

i have not run a damper on my 4x4 for years, even when the steering was stock. all they do is mask slight problems letting them get worse before you notice them.

a properly aligned and setup steering assembly does not need a damper.

 

[SDrake]

i have not run a damper on my 4x4 for years, even when the steering was stock. all they do is mask slight problems letting them get worse before you notice them.



a properly aligned and setup steering assembly does not need a damper.

Kind of where I am at so I am on the road but things wear and loosen up. My first experience with death wobble came with out warning, at least I did not see the signs. I just had no clue about it, then whammo.



But if I can find a bolt on damper I feel a little more secure that it might forstall a death wobble while I keep an eye on the wear components.



SRath I looked at the Cummins98 mods page and it sounds OK but i cannot see how it attaches to the axel. The idea of damping only steering movements makes sense to me. I think he welded something. I might PM him and get a little better idea of what it attaches to.



My death wobble story began with loaning my truck to my son in law and daughter to haul a piece of furniture down a run of innerstate. The death wobble happened and they nearly collided with a 18 wheeler. I did not know what to make of their report. Why did this happen to them and not to me. then I got a couple shots at it and I was a true believer. And I learned about track bars and ball joints that wear out way too fast. The dampers role in all that never surfaced. Replaced the known worn parts and no more death wobble.

 

[SRath]

You don't need to weld the bracket. Get a universal mounting kit from Rancho or Trailmaster or similar that uses u-bolts to clamp the bracket onto the axle housing and the tierod. Your axle tube is probably 3", but measure to be sure, as well as the tierod diameter. Ask their customer service to make sure the u-bolts and brackets in the kit will fit those sizes. It will likely be just a universal Dana 60 kit and they all carry them.

Before tightening everything down, put the weight of the truck on the suspension and have someone cycle the steering lock to lock while you watch for any interference. Do the same thing with the suspension at full droop. Get the damper centered in its travel so you do not limit travel one direction or the other. It's really easier than it sounds.

 

[DIESELWRKS]

Duals look cool. But unless you are running at least 35 inch tires and/or doing some hardcore offroading, even the guys who make money selling them will tell you don't need them.



Just remember, the flip side of doubling the damping effect is you also increase the steering effort to some degree unless you turn your wheels verrrry slowly. The steering box won't thank you for that added strain.



Our Dodges are also a bit more crowded under there than a Chevy with a Dana 60. You have to allow room for the trackbar. So, personally, even though my snowplow truck falls into the "might be a good candidate for dual stabilizers" category, I'm just going with one good one to keep things simple.



I see that Top Gun ad also refers to "the rare 3. 75" dana 60 axle". Call me a Missourian, but until someone shows me photos or more concrete evidence that they exist, they will continue to rank slightly below sasquatch and greys on my things-I-believe-in list.

I was a instructor for the Marine Corps in Missouri, so yes you as well I guess I will show you if I come across a 3. 75 axle in Oregon with Bigfoot. I think I will settle with a single I run 35's or 37's currently running 37's. I dont need to spend money I can spend somewhere else. when I get one I will post a pic. I dont think I will have issues with the trac bar I have but pending the kit and how big the mount is for the u-bolts will be the possible problem.

 

[SDrake]

Thanks SRath on the no welding info. I will let Rancho give me the correct part with the 3" axel 1 1/8' tie info. Bolt ons I can do



And thanks Diesel works and Cummins98 and others for all your input to TDR. My steering is so nice now when I hit the tight lanes maneuvering through Birmingham, Louisville etc.



I will say it again for others. If you have a 94 or 95 just tell you parts man you need heavy duty tie rods and adjusting sleeves for a 99 dodge.