What Steering Damper to get???

[kalcruiser]

Hi all
Im trying to decide on what new steering dmaper to get??? I have done a search on this and reading the results has put me off the RTC type my vechile specs are as follows

98 Solid axel petrol 100 series
2.5 OME Lift and shocks and Caster kit
35 inch rubber

I like keeping everythink OME but do there dampers big enough to handle the 35's??? The other option im thinking is a tough dog. Any info would be great thank

Chris

[Gwagensteve]

OME Should be fine, but what's wrong with the stock one? Cruiser dampers are very hard to damage, I can't imagine it's blown unless it's had impact damage.

Steering dampers only cover problems. A steering system in good condition and without anything way out of whack won't require a damper at all.

Steve.

[kalcruiser]

thanks for the reply mate ive done about 155000km's on original and about to have a crack at the canning stock route so just more peace of mind. Just not sure to see whether or not to change ome shocks or just carry 1x spare for front and back the ones seem fine with no leaks but there are not really anyway to test is there?

[chunks]

I like the Tough Dog EXT dampers, always worked well for me.

[Suspension Stuff]

I recommend EFS Extreme or Ironman for the steering damper for the Cruiser. 100% satisfaction with both of these so far.

Shane

[Gwagensteve]

I'd save your money and concentrate on things that matter. Do an experiment - take it off and go for a drive - You'll be amazed how little its doing. You may notice some increased steering shimmy, but steering dampers don't fix anything, they just mask a problem. I've pulled a few of of cars over the years with no ill affects, especially on cars with power steering.

You could get your shocks dynoed to prove whether they were up to spec or not, but I wouldn't bother. If they're not leaking and it feels OK, just drive it. They're likely to be shot when you get back anyway.

I wouldn't take spare shocks. They're heavy, bulky, and you can drive a car without shocks. I'd only take spares for stuff you can't drive the car without - cooling system and charging system, as an example. Every Kg you take will hurt. You're far better off running light with only absolutely needed spares than heavy with "luxury" spares, you're far more likely to need them if you're running heavy.

Just my 2C.

Steve.

[mmhey]

WOULD NOT be driving a coil sprung vehicle without shocks! might get away with it on leaves because they are about %75 self dampening, wouldn't try it on coils.

[Suspension Stuff]

WOULD NOT be driving a coil sprung vehicle without shocks! might get away with it on leaves because they are about %75 self dampening, wouldn't try it on coils.

Yeah but I think he is talking about gettting yourself to the nearest garage while driving slow.

Shane

[Gwagensteve]

Yep - Just to get out. Same reason you wouldn't take spare brake parts - don't need them to get out. A coil car will be complete rubbish to drive with out shocks but the chance of blowing a shock out doesn't warrant an extra 10kg in payload to carry two spares when you're pretty much rolling along in high 1st/2nd on the canning.

Steve.

[Corgie Carrier]

Hi all
Im trying to decide on what new steering dmaper to get??? I have done a search on this and reading the results has put me off the RTC type my vechile specs are as follows
Chris

What did you find out about the RTC type that put you off them?

I was going to buy one.

[Suspension Stuff]

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/ftopic129680.php

The way I look at it. You get your good and bad stories with the Tough Dog Return to Centre setup. I am sure it would do much better if they actually supplied a decent steering damper with the spring.

You get good and good stories on EFS Extreme, Ironman and the (Procomp steering damper for a GQ)

So 100% VS maybe 60%. That makes it an easy decision for me.

Shane

[nastytroll]

I have had an Old man emu for 6 years, it spent 2 years and 100,000km on my ute and 4 years and 150,000km on the girls wagon.

ute has 2+7 and 37" and wagon has 2+4 and 33" and 35".

it still works fine and has had a hard life.

The other dampers I have are pro comp, they have done around 30,000km and still fine.

I havent had Tough dogs RTC but have had mates with them and they were not overly impressed.