umbertob
Full Access Member
So I went to see the fellows at Tactical 4x4 this morning, to get a test fit of their rock sliders on my 2013 LR4. As they expected, Land Rover made some recent changes to EAS compressor and mount, which required them to make some modifications to their own sliders to insure proper fitment on MY2013+ LR4s. Once implemented, the mods will make their sliders compatible with both LR3 and LR4, regardless of model year.
The main issue is that Land Rover is using a new design compressor held in place by a very sturdy, and very chunky, aluminum L-bracket. The compressor rests over the bracket on rubber and spring loaded "shock absorbers". The bracket insures better air pump protection from accidental *********** of rocks, floor jacks, etc., through the plastic cover. Also, the new bracket was obviously designed to minimize noise and vibrations when the pump is running, so much so that the plastic cover is no longer stuffed with insulation like in earlier model years. The problem is that the new bracket protrudes down from the chassis quite a bit, decreasing ground clearance and getting in the way of the sliders' steel plate designed to protect it along with the whole surrounding area.
After careful consideration of all options, the guys at T44 decided to fabricate a new compressor bracket, made of 3/16" stainless steel, and modified just enough to push the pump up a bit inside its well, just enough to allow their sliders to fully engage with the chassis without any contact between the pump and the chassis or the sliders, which would otherwise generate unwanted noise, vibrations and friction.
I was totally impressed by the expertise of the owners, they are a pleasure to watch at work. Out came plasma cutters, sanders, welding torches, and all sorts of tools. In no time, they had an exact replica of the bracket made of steel, which they then modified until they got exactly what they wanted. Test fitting the slider after each small modification was no fun (that baby is nearly 100 lbs), they went through at least 5 fittings before being fully satisfied. This template will now be used to produce the finished steel bracket that they will use and/or supply when installing their sliders on MY2013s and newer LR4s (and possibly RRS, which likely uses the same design bracket.)
In 2 to 3 weeks my modified sliders and pump bracket should be ready to install, I'll pay them a follow up visit and take photos of the end results (they will also be installing a fuel tank and transmission plate along with the sliders on my car, no mods required for those.)
I took some photos today for those interested.
Here are a couple of shots of the "new" compressor mount with the cover removed. You can make out the compressor above the aluminum plate with sprung rubber shock absorbers on each corner.
This is the cover for the compressor, which is basically just a plastic shell now. No more sound insulation as the compressor runs with very little noise and vibrations over the redesigned bracket.
After lots of contortions to get to the 3 bolts securing the bracket to the chassis (the top bolt in particular is a real b*tch to get to...), the sucker came off. Very substantial aluminum piece offering good protection to the compressor resting above it and minimizing noise and vibrations when the air pump is running.
More to follow (4 photos limit per post.)
The main issue is that Land Rover is using a new design compressor held in place by a very sturdy, and very chunky, aluminum L-bracket. The compressor rests over the bracket on rubber and spring loaded "shock absorbers". The bracket insures better air pump protection from accidental *********** of rocks, floor jacks, etc., through the plastic cover. Also, the new bracket was obviously designed to minimize noise and vibrations when the pump is running, so much so that the plastic cover is no longer stuffed with insulation like in earlier model years. The problem is that the new bracket protrudes down from the chassis quite a bit, decreasing ground clearance and getting in the way of the sliders' steel plate designed to protect it along with the whole surrounding area.
After careful consideration of all options, the guys at T44 decided to fabricate a new compressor bracket, made of 3/16" stainless steel, and modified just enough to push the pump up a bit inside its well, just enough to allow their sliders to fully engage with the chassis without any contact between the pump and the chassis or the sliders, which would otherwise generate unwanted noise, vibrations and friction.
I was totally impressed by the expertise of the owners, they are a pleasure to watch at work. Out came plasma cutters, sanders, welding torches, and all sorts of tools. In no time, they had an exact replica of the bracket made of steel, which they then modified until they got exactly what they wanted. Test fitting the slider after each small modification was no fun (that baby is nearly 100 lbs), they went through at least 5 fittings before being fully satisfied. This template will now be used to produce the finished steel bracket that they will use and/or supply when installing their sliders on MY2013s and newer LR4s (and possibly RRS, which likely uses the same design bracket.)
In 2 to 3 weeks my modified sliders and pump bracket should be ready to install, I'll pay them a follow up visit and take photos of the end results (they will also be installing a fuel tank and transmission plate along with the sliders on my car, no mods required for those.)
I took some photos today for those interested.
Here are a couple of shots of the "new" compressor mount with the cover removed. You can make out the compressor above the aluminum plate with sprung rubber shock absorbers on each corner.
This is the cover for the compressor, which is basically just a plastic shell now. No more sound insulation as the compressor runs with very little noise and vibrations over the redesigned bracket.
After lots of contortions to get to the 3 bolts securing the bracket to the chassis (the top bolt in particular is a real b*tch to get to...), the sucker came off. Very substantial aluminum piece offering good protection to the compressor resting above it and minimizing noise and vibrations when the air pump is running.
More to follow (4 photos limit per post.)
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