not honda/acura related h: but i have a feeling some of you can help, esp. NightShade

story: so yesterday im on my way home from a weekend of camping in the Ram and i hit a few bumps. i have solid front and rear axles cuz IFS in trucks is for girls and urban wannabe cowboys. the road was a little bit wet and when i hit those bumps, i damn near lost the truck @ 55 mph. damn adirondack roads

can anybody explain to me what a steering damper does and how to know if mine needs to be replaced? this is for my Ram. i just wondered if replacing my steering damper would make it a little less jumpy over the bumps.

 

If you are talking about the steering stabilizers such as the Rancho type that goes across the linkage then they help take bump steer out of your vehicles front end on the road. Usually you use them when you start adding large tires beginning at 31s and larger depending on the vehicle.

 

yep, thats what i mean.... so if i were to get something like that (or even a non upgrade OE replacement) would it be worthwhile without getting larger tires?

its a bit scary when my truck jumps away from me at that kinda speeds, id just kinda like to stabilize it a bit.... it wasnt like this a year ago so i know something needs to be replaced... :happysad:

 

Have you had your alignment checked lately? That can do a lot for it.
Check all bushings under the front end as well. If it didn't do this before then it means a wear part needs some work.

 

nope no check ups for it... im due, i know its been almost a year since my NYS inspection and a year since my random dealership freebie checkup. im hoping they will run that promo again h:

 

Can they do an alignment on solid axles?

 

yeah with the right tool... BAH (big ass hammer)

 

still have tie rods, steering linkage, and the like.... axles are just there to rotate the tires.

 

Not really to rip on you but I find this question simply amazing. Solid axle vehicles have been around since the beginning and independent suspension is really fairly new. They have been doing alignments for a long time.

I just find it amazing someone would seriously ask this question.

 

Criticism acknowledged. I've never really dealt with solid rear axle vehicles before, I've only worked and designed independent suspensions. I just remember reading somewhere that solid beam axles are set at the factory for camber, and the only adjustment can be made to toe.