Axle Damper: Replace or not worth it?

[mikepier]

This is the bolt I got from Lowes. It does say grade 8.8, and when I compared to the old bolt, it was identical.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_214558-37672-880707_4294710931__?productId=3024663&Ns=p_product_price|0

And I used these nuts along with lock washers:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_138467-37672-880819_4294710828__?productId=3012868&Ns=p_product_price|0

 

[deweyville65]

This is the bolt I got from Lowes. It does say grade 8.8, and when I compared to the old bolt, it was identical.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_214558-37672-880707_4294710931__?productId=3024663&Ns=p_product_price|0

And I used these nuts along with lock washers:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_138467-37672-880819_4294710828__?productId=3012868&Ns=p_product_price|0

Grade 8 bolts do not say grade 8, or 8.8. What you have is a metric bolt. American grade 8 bolts have 6 marks on the bolt head and are sort of gold color

 

[mikepier]

I just looked at the bolt and it said 8.8 on it. I know its not the exact replacement as the 10.9, but I looked at the specs for each bolt and the 8.8 strength is still pretty strong, plus I don't think the damper will be subject to as much stress as a regular shock.

 

[swshawaii]

Regardless, I don't ever recall a stock SAE fastener on my U.S.A. made Sport Trac.

 

[97Mounty97]

I did replace mine too. It helps with positioning the rear end on sudden curves (side-to-side).
Why? Because the rear end is held in place only by the leafs. On V8 you get some extra links to help with axle warp, but sideways movement is still possible - and that is damped by this shock. Some side movement is damped also by the main shocks (because of their angle), but that is not enough for a 4 door.
In picture is the Monroe "Magnum Axle Shaft Damper" SC2958 (has equal valving on compression and extension and 'Micro-Cellular Gas Design' that allows unit to be mounted horizontally).
It is totally worth the small effort and money.

Is there only one for the axle? Or is there one on each side?

 

[bradsx]

only 1

 

[97Mounty97]

Thanks

 

[Flash]

If anyone wants to know what the 5th shock does and how it effects handling, Google "panhard rod."

I'm guessing Ford used the shock instead of an actual panhard rod so that it wouldn't interfere with suspension travel.

A Watt's Linkage is a similar but superior system.

 

[SoNic67]

This arrangement is not usually used with a leaf spring suspension, where the springs themselves supply enough lateral rigidity.

That's why is no need for an actual rod. But probably some flexing of leafs occurs in tight cornering and damping help controlling that.
This evening I was glad I had it in place when I avoided to run over a squirrel on I95. Free lanes, otherwise I would run over it and deal with the mess would make under truck at home...