Hardbar pad assembly questions

Does the "V" shaped plate clear the idler recoil rod?

Yes, neither this plate (that faces up) nor the rounded housing assembly that faces down with the triangles in it interfere with the recoil rod.

What plate that faces up? I show the equalizer bar resting directly on the curved plate.

First pieces in are the pads, then on top of the pads is a plate 8M6946 which is like a 'V' with the bottom flattened out. On top of that is the curved plate which the equalizer bar rests upon. It's like the rubber pads are too thick and don't allow the whole assembly so sit low enough in the valley.

Don't know what to tell you. What was your source for parts?
In looking at the 74A parts book the 8M6946 you reference is a 1S2349 plate assem. and they do not interchange. Don't know what the difference is.

Thanks for having a look OM. I just found a picture of the 1S2349 plate, it looks to be a sharper 'v' shape than the piece I have which is much flatter on the bottom of the 'V'. That may allow the assembly to fit down a little lower. This plate (which I assume is 8M6946 ) is the only piece of this operation that is not brand new so it could be that I need the 1S2349 to fit with the pieces I have.
I guess I just really wanted to know if there was a trick to getting this assembly into place or if I needed to explore my parts options to makes sure all was right. I got these parts from Union Tractor, they are generally very good at getting me what I need.