TR2/3/3A replacing rear axle buffer?

[GTP1960]

It seems like every time I get started on TR3 project without checking in here first, is a recipe for a redo.

therefore, would you take a look at the attached pic and tell me if the old buffer was placed wrong?
(Disregard broken securing wires) i'm thinking the thick part of the buffer should go between the axle and the frame. Not in front of the axle.

Also any advise on how to get the buffer in place would be appreciated.

 

[TR3driver]

Yup, definitely wrong; although it may have moved after the wires broke.

You'll have to jack the suspension up a bit to get some clearance, then just hold the new buffer in place while securing it. Should be two thick parts, one goes on the bottom (to hit the frame), the other goes on top to hit the rebound strap. If the new one is supplied without the split, you'll have to cut it for installation.

The wires are probably best, but I've been using big exterior grade tie wraps.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Yes, that one probably needs replacing. Oh, you know that.

I used wires - a bit of a bother on the drivers side where the exhaust system limits access. I'm sure the ones I got were already split - possibly just one side so the thing was still one piece.

Mine would work if the rear ever bottoms out but just barely -- the top of the buffers are not well centered with the metal strap. Could be that my check strap is bent or even backwards.

 

[GTP1960]

Thanks Randall & Geo.

If the old buffers shifted it was along time ago, & the remains under the axle looked like melted asphalt.
I had to cut mine & they are off center also, even snugged over towards the u-bolt as far as I can.
i ended up bending the strap in a little bit. I think I'll cut some buffer to fit to the top of the strap too....
could counter sink a bolt right thru it or just get one of those cone bumpers like you use on a TR4A solid axle.
(Though I don't believe I've ever bottomed out....yet)

i tried the wire first.....( that was a little like a sobriety test at the drunk tank) then used heavy duty strip ties.

took a good look at my shock absorber, links & springs. ( looking was my first mistake). So since I'm already down there it appears I'm going to stay awhile.

 

[TR3driver]

Mine would work if the rear ever bottoms out but just barely -- the top of the buffers are not well centered with the metal strap. Could be that my check strap is bent or even backwards.

In my case, it seems like the straps actually get bent over time. They are supposed to angle inwards a bit from the side of the frame to be over the buffers, but they seem to straighten until the buffer misses them.

Here's a photo from CJD, showing what I believe is the correct relationship

 

[karls59tr]

Randall are you sure the buffers are supposed to go under the rebound bracket? I've always thought their orientation was with the buffers mounted beside the the bracket and they bottom out against the body underside?

 

[TR3driver]

Yeah, fairly sure. For one thing, the rubber stop doesn't reach the sheet metal, even if it misses the strap (at least on my earlier cars, might be different for post-60K). For another, the TR4 workshop manual calls it the "bump strap". And the sheet metal is nowhere near strong enough to not bend and eventually break under that kind of impact.