Steering Damper Replacement
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 478
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From: Washington
Steering Damper Replacement
So I need to replace the steering damper and it looks like OEM replacement one is about $60. Is there better choices out there for around the same price. Would appreciate some suggestions. I get off road a few times a year for hunting and prospecting trips but no serious off roading.
Thanks
Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2014
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From: Dustbowl, NV
I replaced mine with a Bilstein 5100 for $79. Bigger shaft, seems more heavy duty than stock, looks great. No problems.
Bilstein 24 158848 Steering Damper | eBay
Bilstein 24 158848 Steering Damper | eBay
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2014
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From: Dustbowl, NV
The big thing is that irregularities in the road are mostly toned down. Any bumps that affect one tire don't pull the steering wheel that way. Rain grooves and bad pavement finish that tug the wheel back or forth are mostly not felt.
If your rig is tight and you travel only great roads, you might not feel like you need one.
For most of us, they are an amazing, easy cure. It just lets you not think about it.
Add bigger tires and a little slop (mileage) in the rig, and it is a NECESSITY!
If your rig is tight and you travel only great roads, you might not feel like you need one.
For most of us, they are an amazing, easy cure. It just lets you not think about it.
Add bigger tires and a little slop (mileage) in the rig, and it is a NECESSITY!
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 478
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From: Washington
+1, I ordered the Bilstein. Amazon has it for $68.70 with free shipping. Should make cruzin with my 5th wheel a bit easier too. Spring time the shocks will be next.
Thanks Holeshot.
Thanks Holeshot.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,093
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From: San Diego, CA
I have a ProComp on mine right now and it's served me well (probably better than most). I go through them every couple of years with all the off-roading I do. If it doesn't wear out I end up taking some good hits on the trails (seriously, who decided to put that thing in front of the axle?).
I have a Rancho in the garage waiting to go on next time. I usually get whoever is having a sale when I'm looking to pick up another one.
I have a Rancho in the garage waiting to go on next time. I usually get whoever is having a sale when I'm looking to pick up another one.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 789
Likes: 16
From: West Coast/L.A. Area
replaced mine in 2007 cause truck would shake around 65. 8 years later, no problems with shaking. No off road except to get home as I live on a dirt road. About 1/3 mile of washboard, but only drive the truck on it 15 or 20 times a year.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Puget Sound
I was told that the front dampener works best with a tired front end or with wide tires. Both make sense.
I can no longer test the tired front end theory, Stinky's nose is tight-tight-tight. I do have a vibration in the wheel at 65 MPH that drives me crazy, and I've been eyeing that bent-up dampener mount with nothing attached.
I can no longer test the tired front end theory, Stinky's nose is tight-tight-tight. I do have a vibration in the wheel at 65 MPH that drives me crazy, and I've been eyeing that bent-up dampener mount with nothing attached.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Washington
My front end still feels good, only have 90,000 on it. Have a rattle in front that sounded like a bad shock but they feel solid when trying to move them and they look good. However, the damper is wet so it must be leaking fluid. It didn't appear bent or loose so I'm replacing that and will see what happens. It should be here this week and then I'm off to the hills for a hunting trip. Will report back if that cured the bump rattle problem.
I have the stock 265 tires on so that's not it and looking at the damper mount it doesn't appear to be of much use being there. Maybe it only works after 60 mph.
I have the stock 265 tires on so that's not it and looking at the damper mount it doesn't appear to be of much use being there. Maybe it only works after 60 mph.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 789
Likes: 16
From: West Coast/L.A. Area
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 789
Likes: 16
From: West Coast/L.A. Area
I had about 80,000 on mine when I changed it and I too have stock 265's on it. And I agree, it doesn't look like it would make much of a difference as mounted. But it made a huge difference on mine.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2014
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From: Dustbowl, NV
I'd agree the more dramatic difference is felt on a worn front end, but for my dirt road travels and crappy Northern Calif. snow ravaged highways, the ease of driving is worth every nickel of a damper. With a tight front end, you have the direct connection to rain grooves, expansion joints, potholes, etc that are trying to take your wheels from their intended path.
I've actually installed aftermarket mounts/dampers on my other 2 trucks that didn't come with them.
I've actually installed aftermarket mounts/dampers on my other 2 trucks that didn't come with them.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Washington
Back from 10 days of logging roads plus snow and mud. I still have the metallic bang when hitting bumps so it wasn't the damper making the noise even though it was shot. Will replace the shocks next, prolly after Christmas. The steering does feel tighter on the rough roads but really didn't notice any difference going down the highway. My tailpipe broke loose from the muffler and the muffler shop said I need to replace both. I have a 3 1/2" system with I think a Walker flow through muffler. Anyone know where I might get the best deal on replacement parts?
