Steering damper bracket setup/ issue

[mudski]

What will happen if I swap the guard for a metal one? Will I need to modify that one as well?

More than likely but the metal guards are useless. If they cop a hit they just bend in and stop the drag link from moving. Best off buying a decent drag link from Superior engineering. I splashed out on their premium comp spec drag link and tie rod, I asked them about bending it. Their response was if you bend it we'll replace it.
Keep the plastic guard. Trust me.