Poly Performance Steering Damper Install (08 JKU)

[Mr.RonGilbert]

While at the WFTW run in Marble Falls I smashed my front tie rod and stock steering damper on a rock.. I wanted to buy the relocation bracket and upgraded damper but it was pushed way down on the list (after lockers...) it went to the front of the line after that rock. I ended up getting the PP vs the Fox because it was a little cheaper - IT WAS BLACK - and I understand that they come from PP already tuned just right where the Fox ones might need a little tweaking....

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i302/TheGman_/Wheelin/WFTW%2009%20-%20Hidden%20Falls%20ORP/P5030537.jpg

Removed the nut that secured the bar end of the stock damper:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i302/TheGman_/DIY/P5120552.jpg

Loosened the 4 nuts holding the stock bracket in place:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i302/TheGman_/DIY/P5120553.jpg

Removed the bolt that secured the barrel end of the stock damper:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i302/TheGman_/DIY/P5120555.jpg

Once the bolt was removed from both sides of the stock damper it just slid right out. I removed the nuts that were attached to the tie rod bracket and set it down for a little side by side comparison and it is obvious that there is no comparison...
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i302/TheGman_/DIY/P5120557.jpg

Installed the relocation bracket that gets the damper up and out of the way. You can see the bracket where the stock location was about 4" below the new location.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i302/TheGman_/DIY/P5120563.jpg

Installed the new PP tie rod clamp (thought about painting it black...)
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i302/TheGman_/DIY/P5120569.jpg

Made a quick call to Phil D to see where the new PP damper should be positioned, he said to measure it and mark the halfway point:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i302/TheGman_/DIY/P5120567.jpg

Installed the new stabilizer and used a torque wrench to snug everything down as directed:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i302/TheGman_/DIY/P5120571.jpg

Now it is up and out of the way:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i302/TheGman_/DIY/P5120572.jpg


I understand that I need to weld up the existing axle mount where the relocation bracket is attached due to the stock welds being weak...

Now I can mark "relocating and upgrading the stock damper" off the list. Just need to get the chromie tie rod to replace the bowed one now.

[Mr.RonGilbert]

The stock one was bent and all the fluids leaked out, wasn't doing much good anyway and I could feel a little play while at highway speeds...
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i302/TheGman_/DIY/P5120577.jpg

Overall took about 30 minutes (including beer breaks), the instructions included from PP were easy to follow.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i302/TheGman_/DIY/P5120550.jpg

:beer::beer:

[FIREJK07]

how is the new one doing thinking about replacing mine when i do lift and tires

[Mr.RonGilbert]

I am glad you brought it up - I forgot to post an update.

I am very happy with it but I set it up wrong... When setting the piston I measured it from the end of the housing to the bushing which is NOT actually halfway of the piston travel. When I turned hard driver the shock would bottom out. It messed up the bushing and the hole in the end of the housing. I replaced the bushing and the housing is fine, just a little more oval than round at the end. I even called and asked when I set it but didn't understand what the difference was. Its good to go now.

There is no comparison between this one and the stock one. The Fox one is the same except it costs more and is chorme... which sucks IMO

[FIREJK07]

I appreciate the update been looking into stabilizers