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Earl

I have been flying my 290 powered 235 since 1992 with the 320 type nose gear and would never have considered the old strut.  The hydraulic 320 strut is much more reliable and less likely to shimmy.  When I decided to go with the very expensive 3 bladed MT electric prop, I asked Lance about a shorter version of the 320 nose gear to improve reliability and lessen the chance of failure, he came up with it in pretty short order.  Apparently it was already in the works.  The old style with the donuts is just a friction damper and friction dampers, by their nature have the most friction when turning slowly (taxing) and the least friction while turning quickly (Shimmying).  A hydraulic damper has the least restriction to turning when turning slowly and the most resistance to turning when trying to shimmy.  The result of using the Hydraulic strut is very much easier turning when taxiing and a safer unit.  I would highly recommend that you go for it.  Tom Byrnes

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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.