Interesting. So that is how they made the sliders fit. On the old version the metal extended the entire way back to the wheel. Personally I would find a way to bolt/weld a piece of metal to cover the exposed compressor.
Eventually when my compressor goes I'll need to do a modification to get that big girl to fit... not looking forward to that.
Yes, starting with certain 2012 LR4s and beyond, they switched to the AMK compressor and it hangs a bit lower than the previous compressor model. It is a great compressor, but I am sure that the folks at Land Rover lowered it and put it in the foam-encased plastic case to decrease the noise/vibrations.
Tactical 4x4 came up with a bracket that allows you to lift the compressor to be able to fit the slider. In doing so, you have to remove the factory bottom plastic cover, but you leave the top cover on - it sort of just sits on top. The bracket is made of steel, instead of aluminum, but works well to lift up the compressor.
The sliders offer amazing protection everywhere, but not sure why Tactical 4x4 left that open - maybe for the sliders to breathe more, but not sure that is needed since they come encased in the plastic cover. Like I said, the plastic cover does not really offer full protection from the elements, but it at least had a bit of enclosure.
I e-mailed Eric at Tactical 4x4 to get his input, but I think I am going to work on something that at least covers up that opening somewhat - but still allows for air circulation.
My LR4 only have 5,500 miles on it, but when my EAS goes, I am converting to coils.
-David