Sliders

[jwest]

when mounting the other tank and compressor, we just made it all attach higher especially seeing as the plate did not have any bulge. One would think RS could have just made all the sliders with the bulge on both sides assuming in europe the tank is on the right side of the car.

that compressor is similarly as loud though, also on the discoII.

 

[jwest]

they're great for inducing the emergency extra height mode though - just pull up over a tall object like stump or rock barely cleared, drop the suspension, and viola, the lr3 says "ooh" need extended mode now.

 

[nwoods]

One would think RS could have just made all the sliders with the bulge on both sides assuming in europe the tank is on the right side of the car.

Tank & compressor is in the same location on the right and left hand drive vehicles.

The other noise is the highway vibration noise transmitted more or created by the sliders. It's a very steely sound like from a sci-fi movie. It is subtle but those with good hearing can hear it. The other more annoying thing is going over simple curb cuts or any off angle that twists the frame - the entire slider wants to shift with a lovely squeak and the back into place again. This movement I am guessing it about 1mm or less but steel parts don't need much distance to squeak.

This is not normal, you have a problem. It's either a loose slider or you are getting some noise from your skid plates (Rasta?). My Rasta transfer case skid touches my exhaust, so inserted a few thick stainless steel washers to give it about 3/16" clearance and that solved it.

I twist and bend my frame more than most, as I have less articulation, thus almost always have one to three wheels in the air on the trail. I don't have the movement issue you described, and I've not heard anyone else report it either.

 

[jwest]

3 wheels in the air? really now....

 

[nwoods]

Nathan, are you saying that everybody experiences this noise and most don't mind it, or that some have this noise and most don't? I'm trying to figure out if I have an abnormal issue, or if I have abnormally good hearing

Until Dan's comments about your concerns, I have not had anyone say its much of a "Problem", only that its noticeable. Here is one example: http://www.landroverworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=13373&

I'd estimate that for approximately every 100 sets sold, I get about 3 to 5 people who inquire about ways to dampen the noise.

Does that answer your question?

 

[jwest]

like any survey, statistical analysis would suggest that for every single response, there are many more with the same results going unreported.

It's about simple geometry and scale of movement really.
The design is inherently not quite perfect, to say it in a nice way, and maybe should have had an interface of some sort where it meets the frame because it is quite obvious that twisting the vehicle would cause slight movement along that several feet of contact area.

The design is kind of like wearing boots without socks.

It's also a great place for bits of crud to wear and wear for years destroying the car metal along the way partially by being trapped and partially by being slightly moved over and over. It's like fine sandpaper vibrating away.

The steely humming while going down the highway only showed up the day the sliders were installed. It is only masked by the wind noise depending on what's on the roof.

 

[ArmyRover]

I would like to see pics of your LR3 balancing on 1 wheel Nathan.

 

[jwest]

....sounds like a job for....PILLOW TRACKS....

 

[D Chapman]

Until Dan's comments about your concerns, I have not had anyone say its much of a "Problem", only that its noticeable. Here is one example: http://www.landroverworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=13373&

I'd estimate that for approximately every 100 sets sold, I get about 3 to 5 people who inquire about ways to dampen the noise.

Does that answer your question?

You and John should probably get your stories straight before posting something like this, Nathan.

 

[nwoods]

The design is kind of like wearing boots without socks.

Did yours not come with these?
http://www.nextstepdesigns.com/images/LR3/sliders/Sliders-Stage1-03.jpg

 

[nwoods]

You and John should probably get your stories straight before posting something like this, Nathan.

What I said was "I" have not heard of many comments. I have no idea what feedback John and/Scott might receive. Most of what they hear comes from me when I link them to various forum threads from time to time. They themselves are not actively on the forums to my knowledge.

 

[nwoods]

I would like to see pics of your LR3 balancing on 1 wheel Nathan.

Balance? Yes, that would be a nice trick I agree. No, its more like rotating through an axis, as the truck pendulates (undulates?) from one side and/or end to the other as I go through an obstacle.

 

[jwest]

Did yours not come with these?
http://www.nextstepdesigns.com/images/LR3/sliders/Sliders-Stage1-03.jpg

That's not the part I'm talking about - that part doesn't attach to the long frame rail that is on the same level as the sill and covered by the most inboard edge of the sliders. I never said the mount posts, I said the frame rail where there is contact the entire length, not just a couple post spots.

 

[sideview]

The sound from outside and inside the cabin without the insulation cover is significant. To me it is a "Problem." I wasn't expecting this and I am looking for a solution. That is all. I am not here to bash Rover Specialties, but as a customer I will give my feedback and critique. Most companies encourage it so they can improve their product (as does Rover Specialties). Don't imply that I am a complainer Nathan, whatever your beef is with Dan, I don't appreciate this attitude towards me.

That said, John called me last night and has been very helpful and responsive. He has been calling around to customers about this, and solutions used to dampen the noise. He has gotten questions about the sound, but then people never followed up with him...as people tend to do.

Dynomat & the foam stuff help a little, but not a lot. Rover Specialties is now in the process of making a bracket to raise the compressor so that the cover can be refitted if the customer wants. This is good for them as well because the expensive extra compressor plate can go away, being flush with the rest of the slider. Should be ready in about a month or so

Perhaps it would be best if you do not speak with the authority that you represent Rover Specialties Nathan, which you do not the last I knew. They are a good company and I wish them every success. It's not in their best interest for you to come across so snotty and condescending.

 

[nwoods]

Tami, I'm not sure what I said that you are objecting to, but please accept my appologies! I certainly was not stating anything about anybody being construed as a complainer. I just stated that I have not heard anyone say that the noise factor was a significant problem. Dan's post made it clear that it is a significant concern for you, so I attempted to provide some suggestions to alleviate the noise, and an attempt to respond to your subsequent comments and questions. I am only trying to help.

My role with RS products is as it always was. I provide design input, I help test them, I help promote them, but I do not work for them. I agree that they are a good company. Dan's comments have prompted RS's response that you mentioned, and an effort to continue to refine and improve their product. Remember, this is all happening with in, what? 24 hours? That's pretty cool.

 

[sideview]

If you didn't mean it that way, no worries then. Sometimes writing takes on tones that aren't indended.

Better watch it though, I may be smaller than you but I could prolly kick all your punk asses with one hand behind my back

 

[D Chapman]

Dan's comments have prompted RS's response that you mentioned, and an effort to continue to refine and improve their product. Remember, this is all happening with in, what? 24 hours? That's pretty cool.

So, unless its my comments, the comments are not taken seriously?

Both you and John have said this is a concern. Yet, no action has been taken. And why would they? There is no competition.

Honestly, I don't care if they ever take action on correcting the problem. These sliders have other "issues", although the air pump issue is a pretty big problem, obviously. It's not that the RS sliders are "bad", but they're far from great. Sadly, these are the only option out there at this time. Once new options are available, I hope Tami is not opposed to removing these.

 

[trynian]

I was getting louder noise then I cared for. I loosend all the bolts and shifted the sliders to make sure that the sliders were not contacting the compressor/mount.

That was a bit better. Then I took out the fitted foam from the cover and attached it to the compressor and sealed it to the top cover with duck tape for now. Then reinstalled the sliders and the sound is back to almost as it was with the full cover.

If possible I plan to try and cut out some areas of the plastic cover shell so it will fit with the sliders on then put the unaltered foam back into the cover and install it with the sliders.

In my first offroad test without the altered plastic cover on. The compressor remained clean a debree free. I will test it further in water and mudd and see how it holds up.

Scott
LR3

 

[jwest]

I don't think my compressor sound is due to contact but simply the lack of the cover because it sounds the same as the 2nd (arb) compressor we added to the passenger side of the car.

 

[sideview]

I think my sliders are defective, they didn't slide