ciderman Posted January 11, 2009 Share Posted January 11, 2009 Has anyone got any info/pics of fitting a D2 box onto a defender chassis , IE; Mounting , Pipes and drag link. I have the box and D2 steering u/j ,I know how I want to do it but just wanted to see others creations . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zim Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 I went to a scrappy and found a set of D2 piping, cut them shorter then had hydraulic hose fittings put on the end.... I've then had more hydraulic hosing made to go to my zf74. I got the lower section of a D2 steering column, and split it in the crumple zone plates (not sure on their proper name - basically 2 3" x 2" plates which clamp together). I then did the same to a 90 column.... I then reassembled using the D2 bottom part. With location, i'll have to find a picture for you. But i added about 1 1/2" on top of my chassis leg so the top bolts would have somewhere to mount. Drag link.... this is the part i'm not soo sure on yet, but am not worried, as i'll be fitting hydro assist so making my own balljoint. I've currently just got a normal balljoint through it, so i can move it round the yard, but my drag link is fractionally too long. The banana shaped drop arm is a pain in the butt !!!! Oh... with the D2 box and the zf74, it is amazing light :D I know i've only got 33" tyres, but it is dead easy to turn them from side to side whilst stationary. G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeyw Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 OK, so you've said the purpose of this is to reduce steering input effort. Sounds like an excellent idea. Does the D2 have speed sensitive steering assistance? If so how do you plan to get around this on a Defender? I'm curious because I was discussing the use electric PAS pumps (small French car origin) the other day, and a problem that cropped up was how to control the degree of assist when you have no inputs from a speed sensor. For challenge use I can see this is not an issue, but for road use... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciderman Posted January 12, 2009 Author Share Posted January 12, 2009 Thanks for the pics G , Is there any reason why the box is mounted above its original position , I was thinking of using the top original holes as they marry up to the box and chassis ,and welding a bracket below the chassis to marry up with the offset lower mountings of the steering box . How have you supported the panhard rod mount , as it was originaly supported from the box . Jase Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zim Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 OK, so you've said the purpose of this is to reduce steering input effort. Sounds like an excellent idea.Does the D2 have speed sensitive steering assistance? If so how do you plan to get around this on a Defender? I'm curious because I was discussing the use electric PAS pumps (small French car origin) the other day, and a problem that cropped up was how to control the degree of assist when you have no inputs from a speed sensor. For challenge use I can see this is not an issue, but for road use... I have no idea about the sensitive steering assistance that you mention, but you're only using the mechanial steering box from the D2 nothing else. The use of 106 / saxo power steering pumps have been discussed before, do a search. I'll stick to my belt driven pump Thanks for the pics G , Is there any reason why the box is mounted above its original position , I was thinking of using the top original holes as they marry up to the box and chassis ,and welding a bracket below the chassis to marry up with the offset lower mountings of the steering box .How have you supported the panhard rod mount , as it was originaly supported from the box . Jase the box was too low if we used the top 2 bolts as this was our initial idea. before i forget, my chassis isn't a defender, i think it's 1" "shorter" than what you would have. i found this out when fitting my gigglepin rear arm brackets i haven't supported the panhard rod mount i've not yet worked this part out....might weld some sort of reinforcement bracket onto the chassis. Hope this helps Gord Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark90 Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Jase, my mates racer uses a DII box grafted on to a RRC chassis. From memory box sits on chassis with bracket extending below, can't recall what panhard rod mouning is like. Drag link is custom, strengthened, with stardard DII drop arm and TRE at the box end and a rose joint at the other. Would need to get it out of his garage to take pics, in which case you may as well pop round. If you want to take a good look let me know and I'll see when he's around. Located very near me, if you know where that is. Had no issues with this setup or box except the original box (of unknown age/use) going notchy after taking a little excursion into a ditch at Ebbw Vale last year. Changed in 20-30mins, and so far no problems with the recon box fitted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciderman Posted January 13, 2009 Author Share Posted January 13, 2009 Cheers Mark , I might take you up on that offer , Im pretty sure how I want to do it and every thing measures up so I might pop around for a peek if I stumble on anything . The plan is make the bracket under the chassis , Both boxes measure the same height from the top mount holes , Ive matched up the Pipe fittings with Transit ones , Got a new defender shaft with a D2 lower joint , Just need to find some time to get on with it . Gutted I cant use the Sumo drag link I have but looks as if a custom jobbie might be in order . I still have yer phone number ,so you may be hearing from me . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark90 Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 I still have yer phone number ,so you may be hearing from me . Time for a new number then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciderman Posted January 13, 2009 Author Share Posted January 13, 2009 Just need to find out your address now . Thanks for the Info anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbocharger Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Jase - is the Sumo bar you have for a Defender or a Disco? If it's a Disco I could be interesting in swapping cash with you - drop me a PM if you want to move it on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciderman Posted January 14, 2009 Author Share Posted January 14, 2009 Sorry John its a Defender one .I plan on sticking it on my green 90 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.