Does anyone here have cars with NO right side CV axle damper

[pr129tbird]

If so do you notice any vibration? My 66 has always had an axle with a damper on it and i can do 60, 80, 120 and its smooth as silk, no shimmy or vibrations. Also does anyone know for SURE if 1966 was the only year to use a Damper on the right side? As far as I knew all 1966-78 TOro and Eldos had dampers on the passenger side axle/half shaft.

[xgecko]

I had to go with a straight axle and frankly cannot find any difference I can detect. I think it was part of the whole 'overkill' approach done by Oldsmobile to guarantee that such a radically new platform worked well right out of the gate, and I think we can all agree that they succeeded beyond any doubt.

All first gen Toros that are original that I have seen have the damper.

The biggest reason they had the damper was to soften the shifts from park into gear or when accelerating from either a steady speed or a stop. Remember, these cars were after all top of the line luxury cars so they wanted it to be a super smooth experience. Taken from the SAE article "Toronado - New Breed" published back in January 1966 they say:

"The right hand shaft assembly includes a rubber damper which cushions peak forces for maximum drive smoothness. This consists of a torque-in-groove arrangement surrounded by a rubber biscuit. The shaft stops metal to metal after 7 degrees of wind-up. It provides resiliency in the drive system for good transmission smoothness and desensitizes the system to lash effects".

I think we can safely say it was intended to provide the absolute smoothest riding experience possible. Given that I am a performance oriented driver with little concern for how ultimately smooth an already super-smooth car is, I am not missing the damper.