MGB GT '78 Rear Suspension Change

MGB GT '78 Rear Suspension Change

Author
Discussion

MGCYCLE

Original Poster:

7 posts

195 months

Monday 26th October 2009
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I am wondering if anyone has changed the rear suspension on an 1978 MGBGT.

The top leaf on the drivers rear suspension has snapped, and I need to replace it. the MGOC spares seems to have it all and while there is the spring there I am wondering:

1) what else I need to buy as well as the spring itself
2) If there is anything that it is sensible to replace at the same time
3) how easy is it to do, and what the best way to do it is
4) whether any unusal tools are needed to do the job

Anyone got any pointers?

(I have seen the lowering kits etc, but am aiming as much as possible to keep my car as standard)

Thanks in advance



saxxeblt

87 posts

212 months

Tuesday 27th October 2009
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It's recommended to replace both springs. You might want to change the rubber mounting pads and the U brackets, there's prob. a kit per car you can buy.
It's an easy enough job, you need to support the body on stands and them support the axle, undo the U bolts and then the bolts to the body, the spring will drop away and then the reverse with the new spring. You might find the rear bracket has seen better days if it's original but you won't know until you remove it.
HTH

MG Mark

611 posts

224 months

Tuesday 27th October 2009
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Easy DIY job with no special tools needed other than AF spanners, 2 axle stands and possibly an extractor to free off the shock absorber link arms.

Replace both leaf springs, with new U bolts and 4x rubber pads top and bottom, new rubber bushes (x8) for the shackle pins at the rear spring mounting, possibly new link arms from the shock absorbers depending on the state of the bushing therein, and whilst the axle is dropped, check for even damping pressure of the shock absorbers and no free play - replace both if one is an issue while the axle is dropped, and if neither is an issue at least check and top up the fluid levels. Check and replace if necessary the axle check straps. Put it all back together in the traditional Haynes way and enjoy the result.

MG Mrk

Tictac07

21 posts

184 months

Thursday 29th October 2009
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Be prepared to have to cut through the shackle bolts, they rust into the matalastic bushes. Decent hacksaw blade and patience will suffice.