I made up this relocation kit for my aussie spec disco to protect a new 4wd-systems return-to-centre damper. The old damper had been trashed down in the mud on the track rod, so when I replaced my bent track rod I built up this bracket to relocate the damper to the cross rod. I had bought the new damper before starting this project so the relocation kit needed to accommodate the original damper configuration, a pin-to-pin mount. If I were to do it from scratch I would probably buy a defender style pin-to-eye mount damper and build the bracket accordingly, with the 50mm of lift I have the angles on the pin mounts are quite severe. In having said that it has been on for over 6 months now and given a hiding in that time with no ill effects. The brackets were made up out of mild steel and then primed and finished with a couple of coats of matt black. All welding was done with a good old plain and simple electric arc welder.

Made from 12mm plate steel

The bracket is bolted to the vehicle through the rear set of paired holes already drilled in the chassis. The four bolt holes visible are for the steering box when affixed to the other side of the vehicle. Use the rear most holes nearest the spring outrigger. The holes drilled in the above bracket must accommodate M12 high tensile bolts. You will need two M12 by 120mm bolts with nyloc nuts and washers. Check the angle of the bracket that it does not foul with either the panhard rod or axle when articulating. Angle adjustments can be made by altering the position of the lower of the two M12 bolt holes.

This is a simple clamp device, I contemplated welding on the bracket but realised that you must be able to move the bracket in case adjustment of the cross rod becomes necessary. The clamp is made of 5mm plate steel, and once again finished as the chassis bracket was. The gusset which is drawn in, is a suggestion for increased strength. My bracket does not have this in place and has suffered no ill effect.

It is advantageous bend a scallop into the backing plate running parallel with the cross rod in order to locate it soundly on the rod (not in drawing). Drill the four holes to allow M6 high tensile bolts to pass beside the cross rod and thereby clamp the bracket to it. Use nyloc nuts on these four bolts. Once again drill the hole at the top of the bracket to accommodate the steering damper bush.