Steering Damper installed backwards - is it safe to drive?

[wbrad99]

I am stupid, and installed a new Dobinsons Big Bore Steering Damper the wrong direction (long day and did not double check). I realized a day after install that the damper is making contact with the tie rod, just barely. I do not notice any steering issues at this time. I am leaving for a 1100 mile roundtrip drive to Tahoe in few hours and looking for feedback about if it is safe to drive. I plan to reverse it after the trip, but I am not sure that I can reverse it in time without ruining the damper bushings. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[wbrad99]

I am stupid, and installed a new Dobinsons Big Bore Steering Damper the wrong direction (long day and did not double check). I realized a day after install that the damper is making contact with the tie rod, just barely. I do not notice any steering issues at this time. I am leaving for a 1100 mile roundtrip drive to Tahoe in few hours and looking for feedback about if it is safe to drive. I plan to reverse it after the trip, but I am not sure that I can reverse it in time without ruining the damper bushings. Any advice is appreciated.View attachment 4094230

 

[robnicko]

two things,
1. it will bind, knock & scratch on the drag link - can already see that happening
2. when water & mud gets in there it will pool inside the outer cover being at the lower point

just unbolt and install the correct way around, its a 5 min job

 

[wbrad99]

two things,
1. it will bind, knock & scratch on the drag link - can already see that happening
2. when water & mud gets in there it will pool inside the outer cover being at the lower point

just unbolt and install the correct way around, its a 5 min job

For the life of me I can not remove it. The old one was a challenge but was able to get with pickle fork because the bushing was destroyed. I have jacked the front tires up and removed bolts but it will not budge.

 

[robnicko]

just persist & spray a little wd40 in there and it will come out. New bushings are grippy but it will come out
the chassis end, undo the mount from the frame and it will make getting the tie rod end off easier cause it sort of twists the bushings when done up tight

 

[Njck22]

I see you followed the instructions for Australia, not northern hemisphere countries. It happens!

 

[Mat Jadamec]

I'd rather fix that than have to fix something else that's more expensive....

 

[mudgudgeon]

Forget the pickle fork. Get yourself a pitman arm puller of the right size.