Shocks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 922
Likes: 7
Ball joints are a good thing to inspect. Should be tested under full weight.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,093
Likes: 147
From: San Diego, CA
I usually spend $30-$50 for a decent damper. I do a lot of off-roading so I go through them a little faster than most so I don't need the Mercedes of dampers. As long as it does it's job I'm good with it since replace it about every other year.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,259
Likes: 438
From: IL
how do you know if your dampener I'd bad? Mine looks own but it's not leaking, bent or rusted.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,259
Likes: 438
From: IL
all the bushings are in great shape and just had the ball joints and front joints replaced with new hub assemblies, maybe 500 miles on them now.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 922
Likes: 7
The steering box is another item that wears out quickly. Faulty balljoints can make the steering box to work harder causing it to wear out. Many people complain about the steering boxes (I'm sure they are not the greatest) but the root cause is the balljoints.
Check for slop in the steering. Switch engine off and see how far the steering wheel turns without any movement in the steering bar. Look on Youtube for examples. Some are quite bad. Redhead steering boxes are a popular replacement.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,093
Likes: 147
From: San Diego, CA
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 922
Likes: 7
My steering gets a little twitchy. When my damper gets tired the truck wants to follow ruts a grooves more than usual and that puts more strain on the steering box to do the work. I haven't had a damper leak either. It usually gets beat up enough that it loses its luster.
I guess to test it you need to take it off and see if it resists moving in and out. If there is little to no resistance it is shot.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,259
Likes: 438
From: IL
Getting colder out now, so everything is tightening up a little bit. I noticed the other day, standing outside the truck and reaching through the window, that while the truck is running, I can move the steering wheel about 1.5" - 2" before the Pittman arm starts to move. Should I check the joint on the steering shaft or would this be play in the steering box?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 2
From: Bozeman MT
Getting colder out now, so everything is tightening up a little bit. I noticed the other day, standing outside the truck and reaching through the window, that while the truck is running, I can move the steering wheel about 1.5" - 2" before the Pittman arm starts to move. Should I check the joint on the steering shaft or would this be play in the steering box?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 922
Likes: 7
Getting colder out now, so everything is tightening up a little bit. I noticed the other day, standing outside the truck and reaching through the window, that while the truck is running, I can move the steering wheel about 1.5" - 2" before the Pittman arm starts to move. Should I check the joint on the steering shaft or would this be play in the steering box?
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