1963 Steering Question

[405 bhp @ 6000 rpm]

I was working on my dad's Corvette with him and he noticed that a shock absorber was missing from the steering mechanism. The reason someone took it off was due to the hedders (space issue). My question is, is this part important and what does it do?

 

[IH2LOSE]

Well if its a power steering car then its the power sterring slave cylender,If it non power steering then its a steering damperner/stabelizer.I think its there so the wheels dont dart back and fort and the pick keep away the jiters from all of the road iregularities.I am sure it must be fun to drive with out it

 

[IH2LOSE]

PS welcome abourd and I like your handel

 

[Fuelie]

IH2LOSE is right, the steering damper was used to smooth out the road feedback to the wheel when there was no power steering on the cars.

It was not used on the high perf engine cars as it interfered with the larger oil pans (i.e. 340hp and 360hp)

The cars still drive fine without the damper. I have a '65 Fuelie and enjoy the road feel