Needing a heavy duty steering stabilizer and ... (1 Viewer)

[onedaatmc]

I need a replacement steering stabilizer, cause my OME one is worn out, all my front end was replaced bushings , tre, etc and replaced the steering box,I have a stock height OME springs. So don't really want to go with the OME stabilizer again and want something heavier dutyer if that's a good term ! Ha Thanks in advance

 

[Devils Paw 80]

How did you determine the steering damper is worn out? I've heard some people recommend Dobinson's.
I just checked my OEM damper a few days ago by unbolting the passenger side from the frame and pulling/pushing on it.
The damper doesn't expand on its own but I don't believe it's supposed to. The action was smooth in both directions, so seems like it's fine.

 

[onedaatmc]

Well the steering is loose again like it was before I replaced the steering box and all the front end parts and the now 7 year old OME steering stabilizer that came with my stock height OME lift springs . I since then added the Arb winch bumper and warn winch , so more weight on that front end ... I would t think the front end bushings etc would wear out as fast as a steering stabilizer. I've had steering stabilizers wear out in the past with other 4x4s... So I know they do go bad after awhile . So I was just trying to find what's a better fix with the added weight of the bumper and winch . I'm was thinking about a fox shoks stabilizer perhaps or a King one and wondered if the added expense was worth it ....

 

[jonheld]

I don't think I've replaced an OME steering damper in the last 20 years on either 80.
What do you mean by "steering is loose"?

 

[mudgudgeon]

I'm was thinking about a fox shoks stabilizer perhaps or a King one and wondered if the added expense was worth it ...

You could throw stupid money at it, and be putting a shiny bandaid on the rig that achieves nothing

or
Save your coin and remove the damper that's there, and take it for an extended drive. See if there's any noticeable difference.

I don't have a damper on my current 80. There's very little noticeable difference. Very occasionally I'll be aware there no damper.

Lots of similar vehicles don't have a steering damper.


If steering has become loose/vague/ floaty etc, I'd start by checking front wheel bearings.
How were wheel bearings set up? What preload/ torque method was used?

Have you had the wheel alignment checked? Do you know what your caster angles are?
I'm wondering if the stock height springs have fit some lift and affected caster?
How much toe in do the front wheels have?

 

[Samuel642000]

I put a King damper on mine, no complaints

 

[mrsleeve]

My 1st thought is wheel bearings as well. But also a commonly Overlooked steering component that can cause much of what your feeling is a 45230-60010 it’s the rag joint between the steering shaft and steering gear

 

[mudgudgeon]

I put a King damper on mine, no complaints

I see this as a sledge hammer to squash a fly kind of solution.

Each to their own though.

 

[JoeCova]

I run King with Dom tubing...

 

[Samuel642000]

I see this as a sledge hammer to squash a fly kind of solution.

Each to their own though.

I saw it as buy once cry once, and the OP did ask for something above an OME ... just tossing my opinion/experience in
(def not saying I disagree)

 

[Marco Lau]

If your steering is loose, most likely not your steering damper.

 

[Squeegee]

If your steering is loose, most likely not your steering damper.

This

 

[ajordan1975]

Doubt it's the damper. I'd check other steering components before changing it

I don't even run one.

 

[Nay]

If you want to replace to just get the Dobinsons.

 

[mudgudgeon]

I saw it as buy once cry once, and the OP did ask for something above an OME ... just tossing my opinion/experience in
(def not saying I disagree)

Or
Buy once, cry on another 25-30 years.

There's options, from no damper, OEM damper, to fancy shiny damper.

Or investigate what is the actual cause of issues.

Many ways to skin a cat. Helps to start with the right cat

 

[onedaatmc]

Yeah I'll check the wheel bearings , and as far as how things were set up , I haven't a clue . Georg Esterers shop set it all up when it was regeared, locked, whole front end dialed, etc , So I'll do more investigating
Thanks for the suggestions

 

[onedaatmc]

Well life got busier and haven't done anything with it , other than drive it part time.

Going to a local shop to get it diagnosed as now with my full quadricep tear off my knee completely, it makes getting under the cruiser too much ...

Hopefully they'll fix the dilemma ...

 

[BILT4ME]

Things that can cause loose-feeling steering (in no particular order):
1) Cracked frame under the steering gear
2) Worn out suspension bushings
3) Lateral Control Rod Bushings
4) Loose wheel bearings
5) Worn trunnion bearings
5) Incorrect caster
6) Worn tie rod ends
7) Worn drag link ends
8) Loose / Broken Knuckle Studs

The purpose of the steering stabilizer is to dampen the effects of items on the road such as rocks, sticks, and debris that you run over to help stop the steering wheel from being forced to rotate. If you are on road or only fire roads, you do not need a heavy duty steering damper.

Do not install one of the retrun to center steering dampers that became popular for a while. They can be dangerous and they also place much more unnecessary load on the steering components.

If you have installed much heavier rims and tires, it may help to have a heavier steering damper to counteract the momentum of those, but you are relatively stock.

Buy one from Toyota if you feel the need to replace. That's what I'm going to do if my OME one ever actually wears out. Probably doing the same with the shocks as well.

 

[onedaatmc]

My tre were replaced 4 yrs ago and they were 555's , the bearings were too. I'm thinking bushings , and although the play really isn't that much , in fact when I did the stock height one springs , I did put front pucks on top of the new springs for that anti stink bug stance, so maybe with it sitting that 1.75inch higher off the stock height springs makes it feel sloppy , although again it's like minimal slop , like maybe an inch ... I probably won't ever get that out of it... Thanks for your info however Bilt4me !

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Well life got busier and haven't done anything with it , other than drive it part time.

Going to a local shop to get it diagnosed as now with my full quadricep tear off my knee completely, it makes getting under the cruiser too much ...

s***e! How did that leg injury happen?

Let us know what you learn from the shop.