Hmmm... Well guys and gals since this is a NEW device it is going to go through some updating!

Rock in the drill hole? This problem is easily solved: After tightning the u-bolts, fill them full of silicone. Rocks can't get in period. This would also help prevent any loosening of the bolts, would prevent corrosion from making them weak and would make it easier to get them off. If you need to get them off it would be easy to dig out the silicone.

Ice buildup? Give me a break! You really think ice can stand up to the power of the power steering pump? You can move the entire truck sidways with that pump! If that was truely an issue no one could drive their vehicles in the winter! The entire steering mechanism is exposed on most vehicles and they don't seem to have any problems.

One solution I thought of to the danger of the unit spinning on the center link: After getting the unit mounted and tested: Weld the u-bolts to the center link. Or take a center link and weld the platform for the plastic piece directly to it and sell the whole assembly.

I was actually worried about the frame being worn down by grit between the plastic and the metal. I would look into maybe having a piece of plastic attached to the frame also. However you say you went 5 months and no noticable wear on the plastic? Then the metal frame must be OK...

My .02...