2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering dampaner

[RALLER]

TO much steering wander. the truck is 1997 3500 2wd. I live in Pahrump NV. Roads are very wavy, causing the truck to wander around all the time. I need a new steering dampener. Years ago I have used a spring loaded dampener, [ Causing steering to want to remain or return to center]. I have called several places yesterday, and nobody has even heard of a spring loaded dampener. I am 81 years old, lucky me, and I guess I am behind the times. Prouble to many lawyers. Anyway, Would like some advice on what would be a heavier duty or stronger dampener. One thing I learned is that some dampeners [ which are gas preurized ] cause steering pull to the left Not a good idea. Would appreciate some good advice. I am not as old as I sound, everybody thinks I am about 60. Lots of life left. Bad Bob

 

[GAmes]

I have a '97 3WD 3500 also. There isn't a source for steering dampers for our trucks. I ended up buying one from Rock Auto, then doing some cutting and welding to mount it. http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/9...6298-steering-damper-2wd-ifs-replacement.html

 

[NIsaacs]

I have a '97 3WD 3500 also. There isn't a source for steering dampers for our trucks. I ended up buying one from Rock Auto, then doing some cutting and welding to mount it. http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/9...6298-steering-damper-2wd-ifs-replacement.html

To Gary and the OP, I used the oem part# 52038476 that Gary posted in his article and O'Reilly shows this to fit. It appears the mounting bolts are included which makes it more universal? http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...96040_4784&keyword=52038476&ntrchngMnfctr=OEN

Nick

 

[BigPapa]

I have a '97 3WD 3500 also.[/url]

OK, Gary. I have to ask.


What is a "3WD"?:-laf

 

[GAmes]

OK, Gary. I have to ask.


What is a "3WD"?:-laf

Uh, rear tires and steering wheel? No point in changing it now is there?:-laf

 

[GAmes]

To Gary and the OP, I used the oem part# 52038476 that Gary posted in his article and O'Reilly shows this to fit. It appears the mounting bolts are included which makes it more universal? http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...96040_4784&keyword=52038476&ntrchngMnfctr=OEN

Nick

The critical measurements are fully retracted length and extended length. That one is too long compressed, by over an inch. Thanks anyway.

 

[AEdelheit]

I would check all front end components and alignment first, a steering damper is just there to damper quick movements not make up for worn parts which is usually the cause of loose steering.

 

[NIsaacs]

The critical measurements are fully retracted length and extended length. That one is too long compressed, by over an inch. Thanks anyway.

Okay, maybe it don't fit then, you mean O'Reilly is wrong....

I tried the other number you posted #52029280 but had no luck at all finding that.

Nick

 

[GAmes]

Okay, maybe it don't fit then, you mean O'Reilly is wrong....

I tried the other number you posted #52029280 but had no luck at all finding that.

Nick

Ya, I did a lot of searching before I did the Rock Auto part and the cutting/welding. It isn't the first discontinued part and I know it won't be the last.

 

[rotohead]

Sounds to me it's more likely a worn track bar. I'd look at both ends of that before I replace a dampner.

 

[GAmes]

Sounds to me it's more likely a worn track bar. I'd look at both ends of that before I replace a dampner.

2WD don't have a track bar.

 

[rotohead]

I stand corrected. Maybe a sloppy steering box? Just doesn't sound like a dampner to me. For a time I removed mine completely and barely noticed a difference.

 

[GAmes]

When I replaced mine there wasn't a big difference, but there was a difference. However, my old one had well over a million miles on it, so it might as well have not been there. It had about as much resistance as the slide on a trombone.

 

[JMcCoy]

I installed the Fox stabilizer when I installed my Synergy steering. Well worth the money. You can adjust the nitrogen charge to fight the crown in the road. My truck has never steered so good. I took some pictures with the intent to post them, but haven't gotten around to it.

 

[rotohead]

I installed the Fox stabilizer when I installed my Synergy steering. Well worth the money. You can adjust the nitrogen charge to fight the crown in the road. My truck has never steered so good. I took some pictures with the intent to post them, but haven't gotten around to it.

I have the same stabilizer but have searched for info on how to adjust that nitrogen charge but can't find anything. What can you tell me about adjusting this? I'm going to be near a friend that has a nitro bottle and would like to experiment some to get a compensation to fight crown effect too.

 

[JMcCoy]

I too spent hours searching the internet, with negative results. I believe they come with around 200 lbs of nitrogen. I had to let some out to get it installed. I barely touched the valve, and it dropped to 9 lbs. The guys at 4wheel parts said they usually put in around 50 lbs, then adjust as needed. So far, that seems to be good for me. I already had my cross-caster set to fight the crown, so you may need a little more.

 

[rotohead]

I too spent hours searching the internet, with negative results. I believe they come with around 200 lbs of nitrogen. I had to let some out to get it installed. I barely touched the valve, and it dropped to 9 lbs. The guys at 4wheel parts said they usually put in around 50 lbs, then adjust as needed. So far, that seems to be good for me. I already had my cross-caster set to fight the crown, so you may need a little more.

Near as I could measure mine had 65 lbs out of the box. I had to use a long clamp (used in cabinet woodworking) to compress it to install. Driving around I felt it was too stiff so I let out pressure to 40 lbs and that feels balanced and smooth. I was worried about excess stress on the steering box and don't want that to start leaking or going bad.

 

[AEdelheit]

You should find out the minimum pressure needed to prevent cavitation before letting out nitrogen, it is typically between 50-100psi. If there is not enough nitrogen then the piston can cavitate under quick movement making it useless.

 

[CynthiaPettit]

Same here!