I finally got around to changing my Steering Dampner. It cost a bit more than I anticipated...I had to buy new 16mm combination wrench (20 piece Gearmaster ratcheting sat at Sears), then I had to buy a set of ramps, as I only had one jack stand. In the end, I couldn't drive the car up the ramps, so I jacked one side, put the ramp stand in place, then repeat for the other side. I had previously tried to remove the stabilizer without turning the wheel: We all know that that can't be done.
Anyway....task is complete. Here's the issue. The original unit is significantly stiffer than the new one. I bought the recommended Stabilus. As presumed, the original unit is also a Stabilus. I took photos of the important details...everyone knows what a used dampner looks like.



Any ideas why the original would be so stiff? What I mean is, I pulled open the new unit laying on my back under the car. I then tried to collapse the original one from the same position, and I couldn't do it. I had to stand up and brace it against my leg to close it. Opening is a challenge as well.

Regardless, I've swapped it out, and I'm not about to put it back in. But, I will keep the old unit for a while just for kicks.

I'll find out how she drives tomorrow.