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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Replacing rear springs

Some advice needed please.I need to replace my rear leaf springs remove my telescopics and go back to original. Due to tight garage space can I do it by jacking up and doing one side at a time or will I run in to problems.? I would hate to get half way through and find I can't do part of it. Mike
m fairclough

Hi Mike, the following realates to later models, I don't know if yours are semi or quarter elliptic.
Having just replaced the entire rear suspension on my 1500 I can assure you that the car must be raised level to allow the diff to drop to the extent of the restraining straps. If you raise one side the springs will be twisted, making it impossible (or just bloody difficult) to remove and refit everything. If you do this (level) it isn't too hard, just arm yourself with a few jacks to support the diff and push the new springs up so that the hanger brackets (attached at both ends previously) can then be bolted back up to the body. I found it easier to buy new brackets from Moss (good quality, fitted exactly) rather than grind off all the old rust.
Can I ask why you are going back to the old shocks?
Good luck
Rod
R W Bowers

much easier with plenty of space -- bite the bullet - get your raincoat on and do it in the yard! ;-)
Mick - still wiring!!

Thanks for the replies pretty much what I thought. I was concerned about any loading from the side that is still on the ground making it difficult to line up. The main reason for the change is the springs are just far too low and Britains roads aren't what they used to be. As for the telescopic shocks Rod, I have never been very impressed and I quite like the thought of going back to original. Sounds like its a day on the drive for me sometime- why didn't I do it in the summer!!!!
m fairclough

Mike, if your springs are fatigued I reiterate my previous advice to change the brackets which may be past their use by date, this may even remove "some" of the lateral movement. As said a million times previously don't succumb to the temptation to put urethane bushes in, rubber is the go. As to the shocks, I just fitted supposedly "OEM quality, guaranteed by Moss" front shocks and they look like they were made in england but they come with 5mm of inbuilt slack in the damper motion. Whatever, they may "pump up" and come right, but I suppose they were cheap. I even emailed Moss before I bought them and was assured that these were the real deal. Another thing, the machining on the clamp bolt was a bit too deep making the eye a little bit suspect. They are supposed to be temporary but I'm not happy, didn't send them back because everybody is probably selling the same things.
cheers
Rod
R W Bowers

I've just seen this,(been on holiday). Rod, why would you not put urethane bushes in? Many of the rubber products currently available are rubbish. I have recently fitted Superpro bushes (Australian), all round on my car and the feel is much better, if feels more "planted" on the road. The rubber ones I took out were only three years old and were already starting to get sloppy.

With regard to lever arm shocks, most believe that they are perfectly adequate for road work, with little being gained by fitting telescopic ones on the rear.

Bernie.
b higginson

The edit time beat me.
I agree that there are some very dodgy lever arms being sold currently. I bought a pair of "30% uprated" ones from a reputable classic car specialist for the front of my car and one started leaking after only about three weeks use. I'm saving up for a pair of Peter Caldwell fronts for my car.

Bernie.
b higginson

I've had lots of rubbish rubber parts for the cars in the lastb 6 years

I've had the yellow urethane suspension bushes and then Super Flex bushes on my present Spridget and for my car with my style of driving and use I much prefer the Super Flex

as regards the LA dampers I'd only buy good quality new ones that IIRC seem to be nearer £100 each
Nigel Atkins

Mike,
I have a pair of new rear springs, brackets, bushes etc from an abandoned project if you're interested.

Malcolm
M J Chapman

I am trying to find a photo of a standard semi elliptic rear suspension set up. I have all the parts to go back on but I can't remember which way up the plate goes on that the link arm bolts on to . Will it be obvious or has anyone got a photo please?
Thanks for the offer of parts Malcolm but I have everything hopefully!
Mike
m fairclough

With lever arm shocks, the flange with the hole in it points upwards.

With telescopics, it will normally point downwards, which means that the plates have to swapped from one side to the other.
Dave O'Neill2

Pic here...

http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=1663
Dave O'Neill2

Cheers Dave didn't think to look in the catalogue . I seem to remember the swapping over and swapping sides so that's where I have got confused. It's a fair few years since I've had the standard set up.Hope it doesn't rain tomorrow !
m fairclough

This thread was discussed between 21/09/2012 and 29/09/2012

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