Steering damper

F

flathead48

Well-known member
Was wondering if anyone had used Drakes and if it worked ok, or if dampers make any positive difference. Thanks, Rick

I probably should have mention that my vehicle is a stock 48 Ford passenger car.
 
Last edited:
I've never used one on an early Ford, but they were fairly common on later solid axle Ford trucks. They help in the later truck applications.
 
We install one on every car we build. I know the suspension guru's say it's a crutch but it makes driving more of a pleasure. I first started using them about 10 years ago when I built a Doane Spencer style roadster with Schroeder steering and no matter what I did I couldn't stop the death wobble, put on a damper and it drove perfect. On my latest ride a 32 highboy pickup with early suspension and Hudson steering it makes driving it a pleasure. I get mine from Pete & Jake's or So-Cal.
 
Last edited:
I agree with Krylon32. I know this will open an old can of worms....but....
I think the cause or major contributing factor of ''death wobble" is the caster change inherent with hot rod suspensions. With dropped axles/lowered front springs and big n little tire combos the caster changes past the stock design. Folks will say it's caused by wrong toe in/out, worn parts or incorrectly adjusted steering boxes. My cars have brand new or completely and properly rebuilt front end components from the tires to the center bolt on the front spring and I still get the "death wobble" every now and then. This season they are all getting steering dampers.. I'm done fightin' it ..end of story
 
Just get a VW one and make the brackets yourself. I don't think they should be used to mask a problem, it's just insurance for a straight axle.
 
I have a 32 coupe with a dropped axle and 4bar susp. I run 7 degrees caster with one eighth toe out and i have a steering damper on it. Runs and handles great at any speed. Never any shake or wobble.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top