88 Series III tub supports

[TJR]

Question... It would appear there are differnences over the years on the 88 rear tub supports. (maybe 109's too?)

My old rusty but solid tub supports have an extra support under the canvas pads.(see pics)

The galv. replacementsI pickup up years ago do not have that extra inner support. (see pics)

When did LR they start adding those extra inserts and why? Under Heavy loads, do the rails crush there without them?

...Thanks Talbot

[fishguy]

suppport pads

Those pads are an extra part, you can get them from our host. They replaced the canvas with rubber...

[jac04]

He's not talking about the pads, but the extra reinforcement on the metal cross braces themselves.

I noticed the same thing when I replaced the tub braces on my Lightweight. Don't know the history behind the change. The newer style seem plenty strong without the extra reinforcement.

[JackIIA]

Compare gauge

Probably the easiest thing to do would be to check the gauge of metal used. If the new brace is a thicker gauge, there is your probable answer as to why there isn't that additional bracing.

But as Greenmeanie said in an unrelated post, I tend to think it is just the never ending march toward cheaper construction. That is, your older bracing is better built, or maybe over-built...and the new stuff is adequate. I can't see how it would be related to potential crushing without a really heavy load, but I'm no engineer.

[TJR]

He's not talking about the pads, but the extra reinforcement on the metal cross braces themselves.

I noticed the same thing when I replaced the tub braces on my Lightweight. Don't know the history behind the change. The newer style seem plenty strong without the extra reinforcement.

Thanks all..

Correct.. I was talking about the spot welded in extra supports plates.
(I need to find a quick way to annotate JPG images with text and arrows.)

The pics below show what that the resultant contact area is. I guess that is all it was, a way to increase the support area for the alumin sheet floor. I don't plan to haul extremely heavy single pointed objects so it really wont matter. If Iwere to carry some thing heavy like an engine or rocks.. I would probably have a piece of plywood down anyway.


General concensus says the avail replacment ones don't have the extra plate. The "new" looking supports I have are re-galvanized OE ones.. I have no idea if they are newer or older in their design to my '73 US Ser III.


I will for curiousity sake measure the steel thickness.. Good idea..

Here's an another look at a set from a 109" .. (Not my auction)

...Talbot

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Land-Rover-Series-Exmod-88-109-tub-supports_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem27b0e8cf4dQQitemZ170471771981QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories