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MG MGB Technical - Proper Ride Height 1963 B

Hi,

I just picked up a 63 B in very good shape, but am puzzled about the ride height...or really, the cars stance.

I've had several Bs over the years, so I know this one looks wrong -- it looks to be sitting two inches higher in the rear, it looks like a muscle car stance.

Is this a common issue, if the springs were replaced or could it be that the springs were replaced with GT springs...or is it something else altogether?

All responses are appreciated.

thanks,
Erik.
EMB Erik Brzoska

It *is* a common problem even if the springs have been replaced with supposedly correct items, as many people find these are way too hard and/or arched, so much so that they can have problems getting the rear shackles or rebound straps fastened without additional weight in the boot. I call it the 'submissive monkey' stance. The standard weight of a fully equipped car should be more than enough to compress correct springs to do this, even the hardest V8 springs, without additional weight. But GT, rubebr bumper and V8 springs will give a higher rear ride height on a CB roadster. A quick check is to look at the shackles, as they hang down they should be pointing partially backwards not forwards, and there should be a bow in the rebound straps. The other thing of course, is that the front may be too low, either due to broken or sagging correct springs or some lowering activity by a PO. Correct ride height is a matter of opinion, around 14" from the centre of the hub to the bottom of the bright trim strip that runs the length of the car is typical for a CB roadster, although there are examples from 13" to 15" in practice.
Paul Hunt

"I call it the 'submissive monkey' stance".

Reminds me of a comment Jeremy Clarkson made about the Chrysler Crossfire looking like a dog doing it's business!

I think MGBs definitely look wrong if the rear is any higher than the front. With the very strong horizontal lines of the car it really stands out.

I know when I bought new but supposedly lowered rear springs for my car (a RB lowered to CB height) they were still too arched. I ended up reusing the originals but had them reshaped.

When measuring the ride height don't be overly alarmed if there is a side to side difference too (well as long as it isn't too big).

Simon
Simon Jansen

So i got under the car and the rebound straps are in fact taught.

What is the recommeded fix for this?

Do I need to remove the springs and get out the torch and recurve the springs?

Do I order another set of springs?

I can't say that i have seen another B with this type of stance and I don't like the way it looks.

Thanks,
Erik.
EMB Erik Brzoska

Take the springs to a real spring shop; they can re arch them.
No torch, you'll destroy the spring.
If you are very strong and persistent, you can do it with a hammer. One leaf at a time, over two pieces of RR track about 6 in apart, and a big ass blacksmith's hammer. Standard old time hot rod trick, but we usually only did the main leaf, so as to reverse the eye orientation.
Strongly recommend #1!

FRM
FR Millmore

Just a follow-up...

I measured from the bottom of the sidespears to the center of the wheels on all four corners:

Front = 14.25"
Rear = 17"

I counted the leafs, and I do indeed have 6 leafs under there...so they look to be the correct springs.

Before I tear them out and take them to a spring shop, is there any other suggestion to fix this?

Thanks very much in advance,
Erik.
EMB Erik Brzoska

Try turning over the main leaf i.e. making it a reverse-eye as FRM mentions. Taking them somewhere to be worked on you have to trust that both sides will end up the same!
Paul Hunt

Waaay too high

chrome bumpers should be 13.5 to 14 inches
rubber bumper cars should be 14.5 to 15

go this info' here
http://www.mgbmga.com/tech/mgb14b.htm

Your best option might be to restack the leaves. I've not done this, having gone for composite springs, but others have. It strikes me a good option. Partially because it wont cost you anything but time, and partly because softer springs at the back help improve handling.
This is where you take the spring part and put some of the longer leaves lower down in the stack. They are still there, but they come into play later as it were.
Perhaps move the third and forth leaf to the bottom?
It's going to be trial and error I'm afraid.



P.N. Sherman

This thread was discussed between 03/11/2009 and 21/11/2009

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