Bottom swivel pin brackets

Evening all
I'm now refreshing the discovery axles that are on my defender. On both bottom swivel pins there is a thick steel bracket about 6" long held on with 2 m8 countersunk bolts. Just wondering whats the purpose of the bracket and can I remove it and fit shorter hex head m8 bolts.
Thanks

Does it look like this? If so it's a damper.
Not sure what it's for so can't tell you if it's ok to remove. My 90 didn't have one fitted

Hi Steve yes that's the bit. I've seen some with and some without. I had better put it back on if it might make a difference to the steering. Need all the help I can get . Thanks for the info

I have "refreshed" my axles and it certainly didn't have those on. The lower does have a bracket for fixing the sheet metal brake shields - but as mine doesn't have the shields it hasn't got the brackets though I may have fitted a washer just to set the depth of the fixing but I can't remember. They look to have countersunk holes in them? If they do you will likely need new bolts. Do you know what model and year of discovery they came off as that may help in future when seeking out parts (or even the reg if really lucky). I have a "bitsa" and getting parts takes a little more research and the help from the forums is invaluable due to the knowledge base. Good luck with your new vehicle

Hi
The axles that are on the defender now are from a discovery. I have a n reg discovery that I'm taking the axles engine etc to build up on a new chassis for my 1990 defender. The axles are both 24 spline and both have these brackets on. I have seen parts diagrams with a small bracket for holding the back plate. I doubt I'll bother fitting new back plates it never had any when I bought the truck.
Thanks

Probably worth asking in the discovery section about these brackets as I am sure the guys will know on there. Also worth keeping a note of the reg and vin from the doner vehicle as it may save you some grief in the future when ordering parts.