What OEM Steering Damper?? WTF

[Eric Kern]

So just curious on which steering damper I’m actually supposed to be using, 2020 (19’) Launch Edition. For the specific 2020LE the site says use “68254067AA”, all other years for rubicon lists both the -067AA and “68251580AG”….called Jeep and they said in their system my VIN should be the -067AA…but just went and physically looked on my Jeep and it’s the 68251580(AE) part number….plus the TSB for “wobble fix” says the fox should be done with the 68251580(AF) damper…..WTF!!! (Also don’t need to hear a discussion on how her rev’d their part numbers OR fixing death wobble)…all other commentary or insight is greatly appreciated!!!! (Anyone else with an LE that can look at theirs???)) thanks all!!

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[Eric Kern]

@JeepCares

 

[Wet Willys]

The parts catalog lists 68254067AA for my Willys model as well, but it came with 68251580AE. I've since put a Fox ATS on it.

Are you having issues with yours?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Then you don't want to hear the truth, I guess.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The parts catalog lists 68254067AA for my Willys model as well, but it came with 68251580AE. I've since put a Fox ATS on it.

Are you having issues with yours?

They'll use the prior number until the supply is exhausted then move to the next one.
It doesn't matter, really - I'd always use the very latest. People get hung up on part numbers for such a simple part that doesn't really "fix" anything unless it's broken.
If it mattered, you'd not be able to successfully replace it with after-market that were different or "stiffer".

Was there a change in the BOLT size used on these? If so, there's the explanation.
Put on the one that the dealer or parts counter says it should have and move forward.
The correct one is one that fits and works.
These aren't being concours judged for correct date codes and part number and finishes and colors.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

So just curious on which steering damper I’m actually supposed to be using, 2020 (19’) Launch Edition. For the specific 2020LE the site says use “68254067AA”, all other years for rubicon lists both the -067AA and “68251580AG”….called Jeep and they said in their system my VIN should be the -067AA…but just went and physically looked on my Jeep and it’s the 68251580(AE) part number….plus the TSB for “wobble fix” says the fox should be done with the 68251580(AF) damper…..WTF!!! (Also don’t need to hear a discussion on how her rev’d their part numbers OR fixing death wobble)…all other commentary or insight is greatly appreciated!!!! (Anyone else with an LE that can look at theirs???)) thanks all!!

Why not ask BENNY, in his sponsor thread what can we do for you today or whatever it's called. Give him your VIN, etc. and he'll give you the straight dope. His site is allmoparparts - he's a SPONSOR here and a super super nice guy.

otherwise, why get so hung up on the exact part number as long as it's a correct fit?
These don't really fix anything.

 

[Eric Kern]

The parts catalog lists 68254067AA for my Willys model as well, but it came with 68251580AE. I've since put a Fox ATS on it.

Are you having issues with yours?

Thanks for the Info, no issues really, took a direct rock impact right where the damper body and shaft meet. Not sure if It was strong enough to impact performance (feels sort of like a little depression/dent in the damper body), essentially came off a ledge and slammed a rock (weight of the truck). I’m sure they’re tough, maybe ok, but for $40 why not replace It. Just looking for the correct one.

 

[Eric Kern]

What truth? That dampers don’t fix death wobble? No shit

 

[Eric Kern]

Then you don't want to hear the truth, I guess.

Contacted Benny as well per your advice Papa, he’s thinking the -067AA P/N might just be because it’s an LE but like everyone else recommends replacing with what was already there which is probably the route I’m going to go. On the P/N change note, yeah i generally agree, from my experience, I’ll /we’ll rev P/N’s for any change that don’t affect Form, Fit, or Function. Which “generally” includes a lot of the changes you mentioned, but when it’s an entirely new part number starting with a new Rev control It indicates a unique part with unique specs / features(at least where I work).

 

[Jeeperjamie]

They changed the bolt size about mid year 2020 on them for the steering stabilizer, not sure why. If you got a pre before they changed there is supposed to be a certain one you need to run. In my experience, they work the same no matter what part number you get. I got a Rubicon take off one that is a different part number that fits and it's off a 2021, and my fox one fits as well. They do the same thing pretty much, wouldn't get to hung up on the part numbers.

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