Big Blue's Transformation

[Nothing Special]

I'm not sure what you meant by "I can't say for sure that I've never owned a vehicle that didn't have a factory damper, but can't think of one that's had one and I know I've never put one on a vehicle." Is there maybe one too many negatives? Did you mean to say "I can't say for sure that I've never owned a vehicle that had a factory damper...."?

Sorry. I might have owned a vehicle with a damper from the factory. But as far as I can remember I have not.

Is that less bad?

[Gary Lewis]

I've only ever used a steering damper on a motorcycle.

I suppose anything with a frame, steering angle, unsprung weight and a given amount of adhesion that is moving over a surface, rough or smooth will have resonance at some speed.

Sometimes you can push through it and it goes away. Sometimes it pushes back and gets more violent.

Anyway, a steering damper lowers the frequency of the system so smooth inputs are accommodated and quick spikes are not able to effect it. But it also feels heavier, or slower.

Think of it like a smoothing capacitor.

Jim - I like that analogy. In fact, as I think about it I think it is the perfect analogy.

I think we've discussed it but in graduate school, which I didn't finish, I had a class called Parallel Systems. There is an excellent parallel between mechanical and electrical, as well as pneumatic, systems. Anyway, what you said makes sense to me.

But, what are your thoughts about having one for my purposes? Or, by saying "resonance at some speed" are you implying that since I won't have much speed when I hit bumps I probably won't have problems?

Bob - Yes, that makes more sense, and is what I thought. Thanks for the clarification.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Jim - I like that analogy. In fact, as I think about it I think it is the perfect analogy.

I think we've discussed it but in graduate school, which I didn't finish, I had a class called Parallel Systems. There is an excellent parallel between mechanical and electrical, as well as pneumatic, systems. Anyway, what you said makes sense to me.

But, what are your thoughts about having one for my purposes? Or, by saying "resonance at some speed" are you implying that since I won't have much speed when I hit bumps I probably won't have problems?

Bob - Yes, that makes more sense, and is what I thought. Thanks for the clarification.

I doubt you'll need one and you can always add it.

It is always best to design a system that can't develop increasing oscillations.

But sometimes due to constraint of racing rules, or being pushed harder than intended it will shake its ugly head.

Sometimes people care more about emulating their favorite racer or taking a cue and making it cartoonish.

Lowriders, donks and 'stanced' cars come immediately to mind.

You're building Big Blue to be purposeful, not a brodozer.

[FoxFord33]

I doubt you'll need one and you can always add it.

^^^This. I agree. If you experience "bump-steer" in an unwanted way when the project is roadable, then you'll know what to get.

...brodozer.

Baahahahaha! That's an apt moniker.

[Gary Lewis]

I doubt you'll need one and you can always add it.

It is always best to design a system that can't develop increasing oscillations.

But sometimes due to constraint of racing rules, or being pushed harder than intended it will shake its ugly head.

Sometimes people care more about emulating their favorite racer or taking a cue and making it cartoonish.

Lowriders, donks and 'stanced' cars come immediately to mind.

You're building Big Blue to be purposeful, not a brodozer.

Ok guys, you've convinced me I was right - don't do a steering stabilizer now. I can always add it if needed, but I don't think I will.

[Steve83]

And that got me to wondering about installing a damper. What are your thoughts?

A steering damper is ONLY for vehicles that will encounter obstacles over 1/4 the height of the tire at medium speeds (~15~45 MPH). The damper keeps the steering wheel from breaking the driver's wrists.

All other applications of steering dampers on highway vehicles are cosmetic, band-aids to hide a steering problem, or counterproductive.

...the Land Rover he's working on...

Are you sure? It looks more like a Land Cruiser to me. But there's not much of it there...

[Gary Lewis]

And that got me to wondering about installing a damper. What are your thoughts?

A steering damper is ONLY for vehicles that will encounter obstacles over 1/4 the height of the tire at medium speeds (~15~45 MPH). The damper keeps the steering wheel from breaking the driver's wrists.

All other applications of steering dampers on highway vehicles are cosmetic, band-aids to hide a steering problem, or counterproductive.

...the Land Rover he's working on...

Are you sure? It looks more like a Land Cruiser to me. But there's not much of it there...

Steve - Where'd you get the specs on what a steering damper is for? I've often thought that was the case, but have never seen it stated.

As for the Land Rover, to tell the truth I don't really know. I asked if it was a Land Rover and he said yes. And when I sent the pic to my son he said "Did you buy me the LR?" But beyond that my knowledge stops.

He's going to put an Isuzu diesel in it, which is pretty standard, and use an adapter plate to bolt up an NV4500. That way it can be driven comfortably on the highway. And, he'd like to put a D60 in the front so was asking me if I knew if a passenger's-side drop D60 exists. I told him I think the Dodges used them, but do any of y'all know?

[Nothing Special]

.... And, he'd like to put a D60 in the front so was asking me if I knew if a passenger's-side drop D60 exists. I told him I think the Dodges used them, but do any of y'all know?

I'm pretty sure the old square body Chevies used a passenger-drop Dana 60 as well, before Chevy went to IFS.

 

[Gary Lewis]

.... And, he'd like to put a D60 in the front so was asking me if I knew if a passenger's-side drop D60 exists. I told him I think the Dodges used them, but do any of y'all know?

I'm pretty sure the old square body Chevies used a passenger-drop Dana 60 as well, before Chevy went to IFS.

Thanks, Bob. I'll pass that on.

[Steve83]

Where'd you get the specs on what a steering damper is for? I've often thought that was the case, but have never seen it stated.

It's an opinion I've formed over the years, based on how they're used by vehicle mfrs., many magazine articles, and diagnosing steering problems at work.