I installed a new steering damper recently and although I could not get it fully seated, I thought this would be no problem. I was wrong, when turning left, the nut makes contact with a piece of metal hanging down. I tried tightening the nut to seat it but that would not work nor would hitting it with a BFH. Any suggestions? Here is a picture.

 

Try a small grinder to clear the contact area.

 

So it will be alright to grind down that piece of metal?

 

I, would but only take off enough to clear the bolt.

 

Paul,

I think that if you were to remove the mounting bolt, get the right size die, and make some more theards on the castle nut side, you would gain the clearance you need, and snug up the connection on the mount.

If that isn't enough, you might be able to tighten the damper side nut a little more, and then cut or grind the exposed threads to get some more clearance.

That's the direction that I would go, for what that's worth.

 

When you grind it down spray the area with some paint to help avoid the rust. It doesn't appear you have any problems with that so try to avoid it for as long as possible.