Defender Track Rod Protection Bracket

Have noticed my front diff doesn't have a track rod protector bracket. How many of you run without this bracket? Is there a time when one is really needed?

I took mine off, kept rattling

thanks ss, a quick search notes they weren't std fitting unless MOD Defenders...though other sites state std fitment to all Defenders. I'm

v8250 said:

thanks ss, a quick search notes they weren't std fitting unless MOD Defenders...though other sites state std fitment to all Defenders. I'm

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Mine has one fitted and was not MOD. I would suggest it is not going to be the end of the world if not there, but given the choice I would fit one. They look to be about £20 so I would probably add one to my next parts order if I was in your position. (link)

I have one fitted to my 1987 90 that looks factory. It didn't stop my track rod getting bent but it could have been really badly damaged so I guess it works......

I had one on my 90 until I smacked it on a rock, it is only made of a soft alloy. I made a steel replacement.
If standard track rod starts to bow the bracket can save it going any further but a big hit will bend it. Heavy duty rods generally will not fit the bracket so it is not used.
However I prefer to stay standard, regarding the standard rod as sacrificial item, bending before any thing else does and can be bent back with a ratchet strap good enough to get you home.
I keep a spare in store ready to go. They are cheap enough.
I once forgot to refit the bracket after doing some work and bent the track rod on the mildest of lumps [ off road ]

My Old Landy said:

I have one fitted to my 1987 90 that looks factory. It didn't stop my track rod getting bent but it could have been really badly damaged so I guess it works......

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There was one on my 89 civilian Ninety. Fairly sure it had been there since new. No idea if it did anything useful or not.

If you off road quite a bit a spare track rod behind the seats is well worthwhile as they are very bendy!

I never bent a series track rod. They are in tension in front of the axle and also get some protection from the leaf springs. Why it went behind with the coilers I am not sure, something to do with geometry of the system and space for a panhard rod I guess.