Steering Damper for 96 4x4 anyone?

[tjm]

Does anyone know of a good steering damper for the 96 model 4x4? Rancho's RS5000 with bracket will not fit. Stock damper runs $75. 65. I'm trying to correct a slight brake/suspension pull to the left when braking hard. I've replaced the front calipers and just put on Rancho 9000's all the way around. I've also flushed the brake system twice in the last 2k miles. Maintanance sched. in service manual doesnt say you should! So I finally flushed the brake system after 120k miles! After I replace the damper I'll get an all wheel alignment which has never been done either. Other than those 2 maintencance issues I've kept my Ram in good operating condition. Although it has suffered a few scrapes and horse bites over the 4 years that I've owned it. #ad
)

122k going on 1M!

Thanks tjm

96 4x4, auto. BF Goodrich 185-75R16's

BTW, my spray on bedliner was the best aftermarket accessory I've purchased to date.
Had a pre-luber - removed it - leaks.
Had a PrimeLoc - removed it while trying to diagnose hard starting.
Installed turbo boost, post turbo EGT, trans temp, Mag HyTec tran Pan.
I use Amsoil synthetics everywhere except for PS, which I'll probably do once I get the time.

 

[Big E]

Rancho makes one that replaces the stock damper. I have one on my truck, I looked but couldn't see a part #. Any Rancho dealer should be able to look it up for you. I can't remember the exact price, somewhere in the $30 or $40 range. The hardest part was getting the stock dampers tapered stud out of the tie rod.

------------------
'96 2500,4x4,CC,5spd,TST 280hp plate & AFC kit, Banks cat-back exhaust, Pyschotty air.
Amsoil Bypass, Rancho RS9000's' Westach combo guage. Mag-Hytec rear cover.

 

[tjm]

Originally posted by Big E:
Rancho makes one that replaces the stock damper. I have one on my truck, I looked but couldn't see a part #. Any Rancho dealer should be able to look it up for you. I can't remember the exact price, somewhere in the $30 or $40 range. The hardest part was getting the stock dampers tapered stud out of the tie rod.

Thanks Big E. How'd you get the tapered stud out? WD40? Heat? Sledge? Lever?

Thanks tjm

 

[illflem]

I replaced the damper on my '95 with a Heckethorn damper from JC Whitney($34)The stud was a bear,I used a pry bar while beating with a hand sledge, though Liquid Wrench(much better than WD-40) or heat could of helped,it wasn't all that bad.

------------------
95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

 

[tjm]

Thanks All

The Rancho Part # is RS5404. $45.

 

[Driftwood Ram]

I noticed you were going to get a front end align. When they do that, before you leave the shop, look and make sure they did not turn the clamps on the adjusting rod so they will hit your new steering damper. The shop had mine pointed right at the stock one, I did not know to check, and that is how I ended up with a Rancho 500. I could not get the tapered stud out. Tryed heat,pounding, prying, lub,***@@##@@*&&&^^ and even that did not work. Finaly just gave up and took it to a shop.

------------------
96 2500 4x4 Driftwood auto Waren 4x boards pyro,boost,trans temp on a piller mag hytec trans

[This message has been edited by TRACY MURPHY (edited 01-10-2001). ]

 

[Big E]

I have a pickle fork set that has interchangable forks. I hammered a fork in on each side of the stud so that the forks slid in on each other. After hammering the hell out of them from both sides it finally fell out. My buddy used a ball joint puller on his '94. He said the tool was pretty much at the limit when it finally popped out.

 

[tjm]

Thanks BigE
Thanks for the heads up Tracy.