mgs
[Top] [All Lists]

Rear Springs

To: MG Listserver <mgs@autox.team.net>
Subject: Rear Springs
From: Chris Attias <cattias@cats.ucsc.edu>
Date: Tue, 20 Apr 1999 15:41:14 -0700
Jason wrote:

Subject: Spring Question

Don't ask me why I'm raising this question...it'd take too long to answer.
<g>

For a rear leaf spring from an MGB Roadster or an MGB-GT:  Other than the
extra leaf, are there any other differences between the two springs?  Are
they arched differently?

Thanks,

=J

I recently replaced the sagging 6-leaf springs on my '64 B, and not knowing
a lot about the quality or specs ('cause no supplier could really provide
answers) , I decided to "uprate" to seven leaf GT springs.  The thinking
was that I would be using the car for long trips with two people and all
the luggage one could fit in the boot and behind the seat.  Also heard
stories that the 6-leaf springs on the market might sag after a short time.

I bought a set from my Moss supplier.  At the time, I didn't think the
extra weight of a GT would make much of a difference to ride height--but it
does.  Or manufacturing tolerances are very imprecise at the blacksmith
shop where they make these things.  The rear end is noticably higher--the
top of a 185-14 tire is 1-1/2" below the wheel arch lip.  A decidedly more
rubber-bumper look.  I took out the smallest leaf, and now have a 6/7 leaf
rear end, but that doesn't make much difference.  When I was installing the
springs, I compared them to the old ones, and I'd have to say that the
arch/length  is different, as well as the stiffness.

I may go back to the 6 leaf, though I must admit that the extra ride height
helps save the exhaust system from speed bumps...

Chris Attias
'64 MGB
'84 Alfa GTV-6  (Runner-up in the Tinworm Sweepstakes)




<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>