Thread: Spring leaf slipper plate - part NRC3472

Originally Posted by S3ute

Hello again from Brisbane.

I am in the process of refitting the leaf springs on my 1975 88" after having removed them from the truck a couple of years ago. The relevance of the time lapse being mentioned is that I can't remember 100% every bit that came off at the time.

Looking at the relevant diagram in the parts manual (1J 15) for the front springs there is a slipper plate shown (part NRC3472) that either I have lost track of or wasn't on it at the time. Both are possibilities because my memory isn't improving with age and the PO took a few short cuts on a previous re-assembly.

This plate appears to go on the centre top of the front spring and fits between it and the axle casing with a central hole that clears the centre bolt of the spring pack. There is a similar looking plate on the rear springs (NRC 7314) that takes a couple of P clamps to protect the brake pipes - these were fitted to my truck.

Looking at the various LR parts supply sites the part doesn't seem to be widely available.

My first question then is whether it is essential to actually fit it?

The second question is whether anyone out there has a couple of old ones that are no longer needed?

Cheers,

Neil

Don't recall seeing them on front springs (found them in the parts manual though).

The rear ones keep the axle straps away from the brake lines as well as holding the brake lines in place.


Colin

I bought stainless steel ones from the UK few years ago

Originally Posted by incisor

I bought stainless steel ones from the UK few years ago

Dave,

Yes, I also bought stainless steel versions for the rear plates from the UK.

It is the front ones that I suspect were never on the truck when I dismantled the spring assemblies.

Cheers,

Neil

Originally Posted by incisor

I bought stainless steel ones from the UK few years ago

Dave,

Hello again.

I forgot to ask whether you bought both front and back plates or just the rears?

The UK source that I used only made up the rear plates.

Cheers,

Neil

Hello again.

Without wanting to belabour the topic - I am wondering what the intended function of the front slipper plates is.

I can understand the role of the rear plates in offering some protection and stability to the rear brake pipes - but the front plates just seem to act as a thin spacer between the spring and axle casing.

Is it there to take up any wear from any slight movement between the top spring leaf and axle housing when the spring flexes?

Any insights?

Cheers,

Neil

Hello again.

Was just searching the internet for more insight into the role and necessity of the front slipper plates.

Found a link on Landyzone UK that had a lot in common with my original query - someone was replacing their springs and noticed the part in the manual but couldn’t find much info on it. Various responses were that most of their trucks didn’t have them and most of the parts suppliers didn’t carry them - Blanchard’s was an exception. The offered guess from the raised edges on the plates was that my own earlier guess on accommodating any wear from movement between the axle case locator and the top leaf might be close to the mark.

Happy to get better informed.

Cheers,

Neil

Originally Posted by S3ute

The offered guess from the raised edges on the plates was that my own earlier guess on accommodating any wear from movement between the axle case locator and the top leaf might be close to the mark.

The edge of the spring locator on the axle is 'sharpish'. Maybe the plates gave a radiused edge to stop stress cracking (rather than wear) of the springs as they flex ?
If the U-bolts loosen you do yet a sharp edged recess worn in the springs which could lead to cracking, maybe it stopped that happening ?

Or was it something drawn up and maybe later on left off......who knows ?




Colin

Just went and had a look at both the S1 107 and S3 109 and both are the same. On the front they have the plate underneath and nothing on top and on the back they both have the plate underneath and the 2mm protection plate on top I think it's to protect the brake lines.
I'd personally get some or make some to spread the load a bit more over the top leaf, ill be doing the same. Just a thought maybe the stopped installing them to gain 5-10mm body height to help with geometry or something silly.
Cheers Jim