MetalCloak RockSport BLACK XD 2552 – adjustable steering damper for INEOS Grenadier

The MetalCloak RockSport BLACK XD 2552 is engineered specifically for the 2023+ INEOS Grenadier. It combines an adjustable through-shaft steering damper with a high-clearance relocation system that positions the damper above the tie rod, providing both tunable steering damping and improved clearance around the front steering assembly.

Key benefits

• Six damping positions – adjustment is tool-free and does not require removing the damper.
• Through-shaft construction – designed to provide balanced damping in both steering directions.
• High-clearance relocation – raises the steering damper above the tie rod.
• Clockable reservoir – allows the reservoir position to be adjusted for installation clearance.
• Purpose-selected materials – an aluminium damper body, TiNi-coated shaft and steel relocation bracket.

Balanced through-shaft damping

The through-shaft architecture is intended to maintain balanced damping as the steering system moves in either direction. Rather than relying on one fixed damping level, the BLACK XD uses a six-position adjuster so the driver can select the response that best suits the vehicle setup and driving environment.

Six-position tool-free adjustment

The adjustment control is located directly on the damper. MetalCloak states that each click adds 10% compression force, allowing the damping level to be changed progressively without removing the unit or using tools.

High-clearance relocation system

The kit includes a dedicated high-clearance axle mount that relocates the damper above the tie rod. The bracket is manufactured from 1/4-inch hot-rolled steel and finished in gold zinc.

Billet tie-rod mount

The two-piece tie-rod clamp is CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminium. It is designed around a 1.625-inch outside-diameter tie rod, approximately 41.28 mm, and MetalCloak also specifies compatibility with other tie rods using the same outside diameter.

Construction

The damper tube is manufactured from 6061-T6511 aluminium with a 2-inch outside diameter and a 1/4-inch wall. The 0.625-inch shaft features a Gold Titanium Nitride, or TiNi, coating. The damper body uses a black hard-anodised finish, while the external reservoir can be rotated to help optimise clearance in the installation area.

Fitment and installation

• INEOS Grenadier 2023+.
• 1.625-inch outside-diameter tie-rod clamp.
• Uses the OE track-bar bracket at the axle end.
• MetalCloak lists body modification as “None”.
• Manufacturer-estimated installation time: approximately 1 hour.

Technical specifications

Kit contents

• 1 RockSport BLACK XD steering damper.
• High Clearance Axle Mount.
• Billet Tie Rod Mount.
• Required installation hardware.

Use and road-vehicle information

MetalCloak's current warranty policy classifies its products as intended for off-road use. No separate road-approval documentation for product 2552 was identified in the reviewed manufacturer materials. If the vehicle is used on public roads, the compliance of the specific modification should be verified for the vehicle and local requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Are tools required to adjust the damper?
No. The six damping positions are designed to be adjusted without removing the steering damper.

What tie-rod diameter does the supplied clamp fit?
The supplied mount is designed for a 1.625-inch outside-diameter tie rod, approximately 41.28 mm.

Is the high-clearance relocation mount included?
Yes. Product 2552 includes both the high-clearance axle mount and the billet tie-rod mount.

Does installation require body modification?
MetalCloak lists body modification as “None”. Installation should still follow the manufacturer's instructions and account for the actual vehicle configuration.