Here's my latest project.

 

So that's the prototype, here are before and after pics:

Before (I'll call it low-hanging fruit)


After:

 

When I installed these, I noticed a few small details I could improve. I'll probably build another set of brackets this weekend and post the update. Also I'll have to flip the stock bracket on the rear tie-rod around so it doesn't snag stuff. When it's all done I'll outline it as a step-by-step writeup.

 

Looks great. Does it still do it's job perfectly at that angle?

 

I actually haven't driven it since the mod, but by the time I'm done it will. This is roughly how they are mounted on D2s, and I believe Defenders are similar, so I know it's a workable design. Also this angle looks more extreme than it would be at ride height, note the jack stands holding up my frame.

If you look at the brackets you will notice what I consider to be my invention, at least I haven't seen it on any other kit. I've angled the end of the frame bracket a few degrees, and I also bent the sway bar bracket a few degrees past 90°. The objective here is to have as little torsion as possible on the damper bushings with the suspension at rest, so it doesn't limit steering response or articulation any more than necessary.

I noticed after installation that I could go a bit steeper on the angle, and that I should use significantly larger eye holes because of how the bushings are designed. Consequently, I'll be building a new set of brackets this Saturday. Also I'm replacing my track rod bushings in the mean time, so I can't drive it until I have the new brackets and bushings in place.

MG

 

Update. I redid the brackets with larger stud holes and a bit more of an angle. Here are the new brackets after sandblasting:







More pics to follow...

 

Here are the same brackets after paint and clear coat:



And here they are installed:

 

Looks great goat. Send a kit my way with the hardware. Haha.

 

I took it out this afternoon for about a 100 mile trip, about 60 on-road with 40 miles of the most extreme off-road conditions I could find. I was driving solo so I didn't get any video, and I actually turned back about 200 yards from my destination when I came to a 3' deep snowfield with no obvious detour. Might have made it through with a running start, but as I said, driving solo...

Anyway, I can honestly say that I felt no change in handling whatsoever. In other words, it seems to still damp the steering quite well. I am quite pleased that I will never snag it on anything as I've come close to doing many times before. Now I just need to have the stock bracket flipped 180° out of the way the next time I have an alignment done.

 

Ha. For the right price, you've got a deal.



EDIT: I've posted a couple extra sets for sale here: https://landroverforums.com/forum/pr...rackets-40846/