Custom made steering protection question

[Windsock]

I'd like to make a steering protection plate up for a stock standard coil-sprung Land Rover 110. In a separate thread I ask for advice on new suspension (coil springs, shockies and bushes). Once I have the suspension sorted out I want to next work on steering protection.

I have a rough idea of the framework required (final design to be submitted with welding torch in hand) to compromise between strength and weight but what I am unsure of is the angle or rather the position of the lowest point of the protection plate relative to the steering and all the bits I seek to protect.

With the vehicle at rest on a flat surface it is easy to see where this lowest point should be. What about in various articulated positions, and I realise it is again going to be a compromise between protection and potential "bellying" but where do I aim the protection plate? At rest position or lower to consider articulation?

Any ideas anyone? Anyone made their own plate and got experience with this.

Cheers,

Phil

[KiwiBacon]

Are you worried mostly about the steering box arm and rod at the front or the tie rod just behind your axle?
Where's your steering damper? In front or on the axle?

I'll be very interested in what you come up with. I'm currently designing some protection for my rangie and many parts will be the same as yours.

[MATT4U]

can ya get high steer for them?

[KiwiBacon]

can ya get high steer for them?

Shifting the steering rods out of line with the panhard rod does bad things to bump steer.

[Furgus]

Hi there

There are LOTS of of the shelf items that you can copy for this. Here are a few links to start with

Scorpion Racing
First Four
Paddock Spares
Devon 4x4
John Craddocks
Simmonites

My personal favorite type ( & what is on my 90) is a Dan Bar which is basically a majorly reinforced steering arm. I belive that the one on mine was supplied & fitted by Marcel from Mamaku 4x4.

Furgus

[Windsock]

Are you worried mostly about the steering box arm and rod at the front or the tie rod just behind your axle?
Where's your steering damper? In front or on the axle?

I'll be very interested in what you come up with. I'm currently designing some protection for my rangie and many parts will be the same as yours.

Am concerned mostly about the steering box arm and the rod in front. I have installed a Gemmer power steer box but the steering box arm is in the same position as a manual box arm. I have conventioanl steering rods and have thought of upgrading to solid ones.

I use the truck a lot in river beds and some of the large rocks can be a worry.

In answer to Furgus, I already use a Scorpian front diff guard and like the robust nature of the Scorpian gear. Have modelled what I'd like to do in my mind on the Scorpian design, however, I had to guess what goes on behind the plate. Will see once built whether or not I got it right.

Using the Scorpian web link from Furgus, the top picture of the defender is what I had in mind as far as height of the plate off the ground and relative to the steering gear.

Cheers

Phil