New take on Steering Dampner Install

[TroutRunner]

New Question on Steering Dampner Install

I know most have had a hard time removing the old steering dampner. I got mine off with a pitman and about 45 minutes. I'm calling that a victory considering what I have read. I thought someone shot me when the drivers side gave way.

Anyway...

Putting on the OME I have a question:

Is the new mounting pin going to sit flush against the brackets? I'm not talking about the bushing side but the PIA part I just popped out.

I'm leaning towards yes, but not sure how to make it happen. Gave it a few good smacks but stopped to think about it some more.

TR

 

[elmariachi]

Is the new mounting pin going to sit flush against the brackets? I'm not talking about the bushing side but the PIA part I just popped out.TR

I am not sure what you mean by "brackets." The new pin has along side and a short side. Long side goes into the damper and short goes through the pitman arm. Don't bang on anything, let the tightening of the nuts pull the pin through. I have had some that would pull all the way through flush and some that wouldn't; OME changes their pin suppliers from time to time I guess.

 

[TroutRunner]

let the tightening of the nuts pull the pin through. I have had some that would pull all the way through flush and some that wouldn't; OME changes their pin suppliers from time to time I guess.

I think this is the conformation I was looking for. The sucker is on pretty tight. I torqued to 54 foot lbs as per spec but not sure if spec is out the window since it is different than OEM. I'd say it is on pretty tight but never snugged up all the way. I don't think cranking on the nut anymore will help more than lend itself to stripping something.

TR

 

[atijerino]

A few a of us got together to install the first of five OME lift kits on a 5 FJZ80 and on the first one it took us longer to remove the darn steerig damper that it took to remove the old shocks and springs and installing the new ones in the four ends of the truck. We learned a few lessons doing the first install and one of them was to build a couple of jigs to make it easier to remove the old steering damper. We are getting together again next Tuesdat nite to attempt the installation of lift kits on two more rigs. I'll let you know how it goes with jigs I made.

 

[jditom]

No it does not snug up.
Just torque them down.

 

[TroutRunner]

No it does not snug up.
Just torque them down.

Thanks,

TR

 

[elmariachi]

Guys, let me give you a secret about the steering damper removal. The reason its so tight is the tolerance between the hole and the damper OEM pin. You can increase that tolerance enough to make it pop out by simply applying a little heat to the pitman arm right around the hole. Get a small propane torch and get that area hot, trying to avoid setting the rubber damper boot and grease on fire because it makes a mess and can burn you. (You can rip it off with pliers and wipe it dry if you fear it catching fire.) Remember, you are trying to heat the pitman arm only and not the damper or its mounting pin. It doesn't have to be red-hot....I usually apply heat for about 60 seconds. Then, using a medium ball peen hammer (claw hammer size equivalent) just alternate whacking the very tip of the pitman arm and the damper pin a couple times. And only strike the pitman arm on the very front tip. If the damper doesn't pop right out, give tihe pitman arm a little more heat. In 10 years and over a dozen OME installs I have never had one take more than 2-3 tries to pop loose.