MGB & GT Forum
Increased ground Clearance.
Posted by bohemian
Topic Creator (OP)
Apr 16, 2014 04:46 PM
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I would like to increase the ground clearance on my 1964 B...about an inch.
I would like to retain as much of the stock suspension as possible.
Tires would be 185/70/14 on stock wire wheels. I do not want to go to 15" wheels.
Any suggestions ? Springs perhaps ?
Thanks
Jeff
I would like to retain as much of the stock suspension as possible.
Tires would be 185/70/14 on stock wire wheels. I do not want to go to 15" wheels.
Any suggestions ? Springs perhaps ?
Thanks
Jeff
Apr 16, 2014 05:14 PM
Joined 15 years ago
4,348 Posts
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Take the measurements from the body to the ground, behind the front wheels, and in front of the rear wheels.
Post them, by adding to your current query.
With no real "data" it is difficult for people to compare your ground clearance to their chrome bumper cars.
Put this term into Google: "coil spring spacers", and you will see there are many choices.
If you have the "normal" choices of national auto supply stores available, you may be able to buy them locally, even if they have to order them...our local stores can get most anything over night.
If the rear clearances are "very low", you may need to carefully look at them for broken leaves.
Finding "used" rear springs should not be difficult.
Most people want their MGBs to be "closer" to the ground.
Roger N. Tanner, Professional Engineer, Retired
Ventura, CA USA
roger.n.tanner@gmail.com
query me directly...if you want.
Roger N. Tanner
Professional Engineer, Retired
Post them, by adding to your current query.
With no real "data" it is difficult for people to compare your ground clearance to their chrome bumper cars.
Put this term into Google: "coil spring spacers", and you will see there are many choices.
If you have the "normal" choices of national auto supply stores available, you may be able to buy them locally, even if they have to order them...our local stores can get most anything over night.
If the rear clearances are "very low", you may need to carefully look at them for broken leaves.
Finding "used" rear springs should not be difficult.
Most people want their MGBs to be "closer" to the ground.
Roger N. Tanner, Professional Engineer, Retired
Ventura, CA USA
roger.n.tanner@gmail.com
query me directly...if you want.
Roger N. Tanner
Professional Engineer, Retired
Apr 16, 2014 05:38 PM
Joined 15 years ago
4,348 Posts
|
I think you would get a "better" answer, if you provided some actual measurements.
I would suggest, measure the body ground clearance, in back of the front wheels, and in front of the rear wheels.
Measure both sides, to make sure you don't have a broken spring. Ask people to send you their measurements.
Roger N. Tanner
Professional Engineer, Retired
I would suggest, measure the body ground clearance, in back of the front wheels, and in front of the rear wheels.
Measure both sides, to make sure you don't have a broken spring. Ask people to send you their measurements.
Roger N. Tanner
Professional Engineer, Retired
Topic Creator (OP)
Apr 16, 2014 05:48 PM
Top Contributor
Joined 10 years ago
506 Posts
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Thanks, will do.
The measurements may help even tough there are four different tires with varying sizes and amounts of wear. The new tires have not been and will not be installed until the wheels are rebuilt and painted.
The front suspension has been recently and entirely rebuilt using stock components. There is a new factory front sway bar, new bushes there as well.
The rear springs are originals and appear to be in good condition.
The car drives well, straight as an arrow, no wobbles up to 65, tracks perfectly, shocks and springs acting as they should. Brakes have been completely refurbed front and rear and stops on the proverbial dime.
My reasoning for a slight lift is the abundance of secondary roads I intend to travel.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014-04-16 06:08 PM by bohemian.
The measurements may help even tough there are four different tires with varying sizes and amounts of wear. The new tires have not been and will not be installed until the wheels are rebuilt and painted.
The front suspension has been recently and entirely rebuilt using stock components. There is a new factory front sway bar, new bushes there as well.
The rear springs are originals and appear to be in good condition.
The car drives well, straight as an arrow, no wobbles up to 65, tracks perfectly, shocks and springs acting as they should. Brakes have been completely refurbed front and rear and stops on the proverbial dime.
My reasoning for a slight lift is the abundance of secondary roads I intend to travel.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014-04-16 06:08 PM by bohemian.
ohlord
Rob C
A tiny Island off the coast of Washington State, N.W., USA
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1957 Land Rover Series I "EYEYIYI"
1957 Land Rover Series I "OVRLND" 1971 MG MGB 1971 MG MGB "Bedouin 2" & more |
Apr 16, 2014 06:08 PM
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Should be no wobbles over 100mph
Remove the center resonator if you want more ground clearance it will only be marginally louder.
Or install a spintech mini in its place.
LNDRVR4X4.COM
Home of Project "INCARN8'
1957 Series 1 Land Rover electric VEHICLE CONVERSION
FIXITUPCHAP.COM
FIXITUPCHAP INCORPORATED
RD3 Radar/ Electronic Warfare Technician
VIETNAM 1969-1972
Remove the center resonator if you want more ground clearance it will only be marginally louder.
Or install a spintech mini in its place.
LNDRVR4X4.COM
Home of Project "INCARN8'
1957 Series 1 Land Rover electric VEHICLE CONVERSION
FIXITUPCHAP.COM
FIXITUPCHAP INCORPORATED
RD3 Radar/ Electronic Warfare Technician
VIETNAM 1969-1972
Topic Creator (OP)
Apr 16, 2014 07:01 PM
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Joined 10 years ago
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Speaking of the exhaust.. Never seen anything like this..
Front muffler ( of indeterminate origin) fitted to a smashed down-pipe section, exiting to a triple kinked long pipe which has enjoyed repeated bashing, exiting the rear in the normal rear hanger.
Considering the condition of the assemblage, couldn't ask for more clearance from an exhaust. I am going to install either a Peco or the Moss TT stainless.
What I am looking for is a "lift" as the off roaders would put it. One inch max would be fine. The simpler the better.
Front muffler ( of indeterminate origin) fitted to a smashed down-pipe section, exiting to a triple kinked long pipe which has enjoyed repeated bashing, exiting the rear in the normal rear hanger.
Considering the condition of the assemblage, couldn't ask for more clearance from an exhaust. I am going to install either a Peco or the Moss TT stainless.
What I am looking for is a "lift" as the off roaders would put it. One inch max would be fine. The simpler the better.
mgbanthony
Anthony Henderson
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Apr 16, 2014 07:23 PM
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Joined 18 years ago
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Apr 16, 2014 08:04 PM
Joined 17 years ago
1,913 Posts
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If you go with rubber bumper springs all around you should get a 3/4" front sway bar also. It will help keep the body roll in check at the higher level. I run dirt roads a lot and with no center muffler and new stock height springs it doesn't bottom out. MG's are fun on dirt roads.
Topic Creator (OP)
Apr 16, 2014 08:56 PM
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Kelly,
Right on brutha!
That's the intent.
MGBs handle well, even the rubber bumper buggies compared to many other cars.
I am not racing, I am travelling the "road less travelled".
I'll check the diameter of the sway bar...
I really don't care about "looks" as much as I care about function.
Look at "real", functional , historic MGB rally machines.. Higher than stock.
I ran my TDs and MGTC and my '56 MGA "off road".. back when "off road" was an unknown term.
What's a "spin tech mini ?"
Off to do a search.
Right on brutha!
That's the intent.
MGBs handle well, even the rubber bumper buggies compared to many other cars.
I am not racing, I am travelling the "road less travelled".
I'll check the diameter of the sway bar...
I really don't care about "looks" as much as I care about function.
Look at "real", functional , historic MGB rally machines.. Higher than stock.
I ran my TDs and MGTC and my '56 MGA "off road".. back when "off road" was an unknown term.
What's a "spin tech mini ?"
Off to do a search.
forestghost07
Marco Sinai
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Apr 16, 2014 09:01 PM
Joined 12 years ago
4,174 Posts
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Hey Jeff , see this here thread of mine ... I need to do a bit of same (rear)
http://www.mgexp.com/phorum/read.php?1,2655017,2655017#msg-2655017
~ Marco and Viajero ~
http://www.mgexp.com/phorum/read.php?1,2655017,2655017#msg-2655017
~ Marco and Viajero ~
ohlord
Rob C
A tiny Island off the coast of Washington State, N.W., USA
Sign in to contact
1957 Land Rover Series I "EYEYIYI"
1957 Land Rover Series I "OVRLND" 1971 MG MGB 1971 MG MGB "Bedouin 2" & more |
Apr 16, 2014 09:39 PM
Top Contributor
Joined 12 years ago
28,877 Posts
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tucks up tight to the underbelly
http://www.spintechmufflers.com/mufflers/street-mufflers/spintech-mini-series/mini-series-m2111/prod_58.html
old adage
Don't raise the car,lower the road.
LNDRVR4X4.COM
Home of Project "INCARN8'
1957 Series 1 Land Rover electric VEHICLE CONVERSION
FIXITUPCHAP.COM
FIXITUPCHAP INCORPORATED
RD3 Radar/ Electronic Warfare Technician
VIETNAM 1969-1972
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014-04-16 09:49 PM by ohlord.
http://www.spintechmufflers.com/mufflers/street-mufflers/spintech-mini-series/mini-series-m2111/prod_58.html
old adage
Don't raise the car,lower the road.
LNDRVR4X4.COM
Home of Project "INCARN8'
1957 Series 1 Land Rover electric VEHICLE CONVERSION
FIXITUPCHAP.COM
FIXITUPCHAP INCORPORATED
RD3 Radar/ Electronic Warfare Technician
VIETNAM 1969-1972
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014-04-16 09:49 PM by ohlord.
Apr 17, 2014 01:14 AM
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Joined 12 years ago
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In reply to # 2663655 by bohemian
Tires would be 185/70/14 on stock wire wheels. I do not want to go to 15" wheels.
If you respect the tyre aspect ratio (necessary to preserve speedo accuracy) then fitting 15", or even larger diameter wheels, will make no difference whatsoever to the height of the car !
Topic Creator (OP)
Apr 17, 2014 10:23 AM
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Joined 10 years ago
506 Posts
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The car was designed for 14" wheels, the amount of side wall and tread is important, aside from maintaining the "aspect ratio" for the speedo. Speedometers can be modified, I have a local shop that can dial it in, no matter the final choice of wheel and tire.
RobC, that is a great photo, I found it a couple weeks ago and printed it out. That's the "before" photo, did you see the "after" photo, the one where it went head-on into a tree ?
Thanks for the link.
Marco, Thanks for the link to the thread.
RobC, that is a great photo, I found it a couple weeks ago and printed it out. That's the "before" photo, did you see the "after" photo, the one where it went head-on into a tree ?
Thanks for the link.
Marco, Thanks for the link to the thread.
Apr 17, 2014 10:42 AM
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Joined 20 years ago
32,183 Posts
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Williams, OR is definitely "the road less traveled"! I had to look it up. We weren't too far from there last Summer at Oregon Caves. Is there a back route to Oregon Caves from your place, and is that what you are preparing the MGB for?
Friends talking around a fire is the history of mankind.
Friends talking around a fire is the history of mankind.
Topic Creator (OP)
Apr 17, 2014 11:09 AM
Top Contributor
Joined 10 years ago
506 Posts
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Rod H,
Yup, that and other roads that most folks will never use. That's part of the joy of living in the boonies. Just take the usual survival gear and tools and spares and a bicycle.. no joke here.
I also go east up the 62 from Medford and over the top down the hill and out to So Eastern Oregon. No one there. Outstanding scenery and roads.
Yes there is a back way to the Oregon caves.
Go out my driveway, turn right (Cedar Flat Rd.), go about 7 miles west up the hill, then follow the road map locals use to get there. The first trick is the correct road to the left then all the other correct choices when you hit the forks in the road. This is a May through October road.. any other time, snowed in.
http://www.winktimber.com/vintagerally/cars/smithmgb.htm
Note the description of the suspension and going back to the original shocks with heavier valving.
Yup, that and other roads that most folks will never use. That's part of the joy of living in the boonies. Just take the usual survival gear and tools and spares and a bicycle.. no joke here.
I also go east up the 62 from Medford and over the top down the hill and out to So Eastern Oregon. No one there. Outstanding scenery and roads.
Yes there is a back way to the Oregon caves.
Go out my driveway, turn right (Cedar Flat Rd.), go about 7 miles west up the hill, then follow the road map locals use to get there. The first trick is the correct road to the left then all the other correct choices when you hit the forks in the road. This is a May through October road.. any other time, snowed in.
http://www.winktimber.com/vintagerally/cars/smithmgb.htm
Note the description of the suspension and going back to the original shocks with heavier valving.
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