Steering damper?

[BLloyd]

Hi, I recently put some Rickson steel wheels on my truck. Each rim and tire weighs about 125lbs. So, when I'm driving, the wheels kind of steer themselves around the tracks in the road. Would a steering damper help? The front end is tight.



Thanks

 

[Makaio]

Brian,



In my opinion, it should help a little. Installing a steering stabilizer will dampen side to side movement. About a year or so ago, before I found out my kingpin bushings were bad and rebuilt them, I installed a single Rancho steering stabilizer and it helped control the 'death wobble' quite a bit. I would think it will help your case. Another option might be a return-to-center steering stabilizer by 4Way. I know that one helps with big tires. I had one on my '88 Ford Ranger. Poor little truck couldn't handle Mickey Thompson 39x18x15. :-laf Anyhow, the dampner by 4Way helped big time. On the downside, it probably puts more strain on the power steering pump too. I would also double check your steering components just to make sure nothing is worn. I've also noticed in the past that the more aggressive and wider tires tend to follow the ruts in the road.



Aloha,

Matt

 

[Kiohio]

It may be tread squirm also.

I have it bad on my truck.

If the tires have tread that runs "with" the road it can happen.

My truck had plain generic "A/T's" on it. It drove great after rebuilding the front end.

Then I put on a set of Mastercraft (made by Cooper) MSR's and it is hard to drive a straight line.

I also had this with my '03 with Pirelli STR's on it, they have the tread that runs in a line straight with the road.

The front end was tight on the '03.

After around 10k miles of wear they straightened up, but they were 1/3 way worn down at by then.

You may just have to deal with it till the tread wears down some.

Are the tires radials?



KO

 

[dpuckett]

ALso check your steering coupler and box, though you say the front end is tight. If the box or coupler has any slack, that can afect steering. How is the alignment? Is the caster even adjustable on a 4x4?



Daniel