Steering Shimmy Damper

[AYM707]

Running an 1983 FJ45 (GCC spec)

I'm getting ready to change my tie rods & steering linkages. The current shimmy damper is about 13.25 in long (measuring just the damper not including the connection points) vs my new damper is about 14.75 in (fully compressed).

Part numbers for the new unit (p/n 45700) are correct matches the Toyota electronic catalog.

Would I have a problem installing the longer unit?

 

[73lndcrsr]

It should be ok. Just make sure it does not fully extend or compress before you get to full lock in both directions.

 

[65swb45]

Exactly. Also, knowing that the center arm is one of the most common wear points, and have been known to occasionaly separate from the frame, the last thing you need is a bottomed out dampener fighting a steering box with the center arm as the battlefield!

Best

Mark

 

[AYM707]

It should be ok. Just make sure it does not fully extend or compress before you get to full lock in both directions.

Exactly. Also, knowing that the center arm is one of the most common wear points, and have been known to occasionaly separate from the frame, the last thing you need is a bottomed out dampener fighting a steering box with the center arm as the battlefield!

Best

Mark

@ Brad & Mark - thanks for the tip; should not be fully compressed / extended. got it. but if the damper is longer than the current; then the angle on the center arm will be different and the length of the relay rod should be adjusted to compensate??? Don't want to screw up my alignment.

 

[73lndcrsr]

Does yours have fixed mounting on both ends? What I have seen, is one fixed end and the other uses small u-bolts to attache to the drag link

 

[65swb45]

@ Brad & Mark - thanks for the tip; should not be fully compressed / extended. got it. but if the damper is longer than the current; then the angle on the center arm will be different and the length of the relay rod should be adjusted to compensate??? Don't want to screw up my alignment.

DO NOT adjust ANYTHING for the dampener. If the dampener cannot safely perform its function without mods to the rest of the steering,GET ONE THAT WILL.

The part Brad is describing is a universal-fit aftermarket component that can be adjusted...but it does not attach to the center arm at all.

Best

Mark

 

[sggoat]

i can't believe this post! I am just now in the prestages of doing the same thing. I have the tie rod(and ends), the Relay rod(and ends) from Toyota. Also have a new steering damper. The only parts I'm missing are the drag link and ends.
The damper should go in without issue-as Mark says.(esp since it is OEM)
I do have a question here, as I have not been able to source an OEM drag link--Could I use a spare relay rod as the drag link and just add the ends? The OE drag link on the rig is ~29.5 inches, and the new relay rod is 30.25 inches--seems like I could easily take up this excess with the end adjustments. Is this ok to do?
My OE drag link outside caliper measurements indicate only .5 mm larger diameter than the new relay rod--but that's with all the rust on the outside.--maybe there is a thread difference??

 

[65swb45]

I

i can't believe this post! I am just now in the prestages of doing the same thing. I have the tie rod(and ends), the Relay rod(and ends) from Toyota. Also have a new steering damper. The only parts I'm missing are the drag link and ends.
The damper should go in without issue-as Mark says.(esp since it is OEM)
I do have a question here, as I have not been able to source an OEM drag link--Could I use a spare relay rod as the drag link and just add the ends? The OE drag link on the rig is ~29.5 inches, and the new relay rod is 30.25 inches--seems like I could easily take up this excess with the end adjustments. Is this ok to do?
My OE drag link outside caliper measurements indicate only .5 mm larger diameter than the new relay rod--but that's with all the rust on the outside.--maybe there is a thread difference??

if you were in the outback doing a trail fix, that would be one thing. Here, it's another. I have a few OE drag link rods for the 40 series in stock. You can call me at the shop tomorrow afternoon if you like.

 

[AYM707]

Does yours have fixed mounting on both ends? What I have seen, is one fixed end and the other uses small u-bolts to attache to the drag link

Brad

Damper is fixed at one end and connected to the central arm on the other. I have attached some pictures.

DO NOT adjust ANYTHING for the dampener. If the dampener cannot safely perform its function without mods to the rest of the steering,GET ONE THAT WILL.

The part Brad is describing is a universal-fit aftermarket component that can be adjusted...but it does not attach to the center arm at all.

Best

Mark

Mark

My new damper can't be adjusted. What I was trying to say that if I install a longer damper; then the angle of the central arm changes affecting the connection points of the relay rod & the drag link. Both connections are with a screwed in ball joints; I was thinking of not fully screwing it in.

My concern remains whether I have the right damper. Part numbers match, but the existing damper is 13.25 in and the new damper is 14.75 in (full compressed). If I install the damper (not fully compressed / extended) then the unit will be longer; say 15.5 in.

Appreciate your support. Cheers.

Amer

 

[73lndcrsr]

I would try to find one that more closely matches the one you have. I would not want to make other changes in the steering geometry for the damper.

 

[AYM707]

I would try to find one that more closely matches the one you have. I would not want to make other changes in the steering geometry for the damper.

Brad - That's what I was thinking. any chance I can ask you to measure your damper; just to compare.

 

[73lndcrsr]

mine is an aftermarket with the u-bolts. Not sure it would help much in your case.

 

[73lndcrsr]

if you still need or want the measurement, I can get it this weekend.

 

[65swb45]

Brad

Damper is fixed at one end and connected to the central arm on the other. I have attached some pictures.

View attachment 1023291
View attachment 1023292




Mark

My new damper can't be adjusted. What I was trying to say that if I install a longer damper; then the angle of the central arm changes affecting the connection points of the relay rod & the drag link. Both connections are with a screwed in ball joints; I was thinking of not fully screwing it in.

View attachment 1023297


My concern remains whether I have the right damper. Part numbers match, but the existing damper is 13.25 in and the new damper is 14.75 in (full compressed). If I install the damper (not fully compressed / extended) then the unit will be longer; say 15.5 in.

Appreciate your support. Cheers.

Amer

not fully screwing it in IS NOT AN OPTION!!!!

Turn your wheel hard left. That should compress your stock dampener to it's shortest required length. As long as the new dampener will compress to that length as well, you should be ok.

 

[sggoat]

I can get some pics and damper measurements from my 77(including Mark's Hard Left) if you think they would help.(all the steering rods, etc. are original as far as I know)

 

[sggoat]

Pics of my current damper on the rig, and the new one I got from Toyota---They don't seem to match---The PO has no recollection of ANY steering problems and no repairs to the linkage. Anyone know if this is a factory setup or does it look like the damper I got is just not the right one?