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MG MG Y Type - Compressing front suspension (engine out)

Folks, I know this has been covered, but can't find it in the archives. I want to compress the front suspension to take pressure off the bump stops, with the engine out. Have had various weights on the front end until now, but getting ready to put the rebuilt engine back in. So ... what's the procedure involving (I think)a trolley jack, a length of chain and presumably U-bolts to secure the chain and elevate the jack to squeeze the suspension together. Anyone remember? Thanks in anticipation. John.
J.P. Hall

I don't know what your garage floor is made of, but if it's concrete you may consider bolting a sturdy ring in the floor.
Attached to that a chain or thick rope and the chassis is limmeted in it upward movement.

I've done so in the past with fittings from a van where there were eyes in the floor to lash down the cargo.
Willem van der Veer

Thanks Willem - that's a possible. I think it should be possible to put a strong block of wood atop the front chassis rails; run a chain around the top of the wood and under the jack, and then elevate the jack. Chris Pick, if you're there, I seem to remember you saying something about this when I visited you 2 years ago. Thanks all. John.
J.P. Hall

Hi John,

Yes the method I used was to tie a nylon lifting strap around the top of the chassis around the front shocker and under the trolley jack. When you take the weight of the bottom spring plate and start to compress the spring the strap will stop the chassis lifting enabling you to put the top bolt through your shocker.

You could use a chain in place of a nylon strap, however a nylon woven strap would prevent damage to your newly painted chassis.

I have successfully used this method to remove and replace the front suspension 8 times so far with no problems.

Glad to see your on the rebuild stage John its exciting when it is finally coming together.

Hope this helps cheers Chris
C A Pick

Hah ... the magic of cyberspace! Thank you Chris - while I don't need to do anything to the assembled running gear, I think your method also forms the basis of squeezing the spring pan upwards without the whole chassis lifting, and thus taking pressure off the rebound rubber. I should only need to do this for a couple of days while I install the motor into the chassis. I'll confirm, for the interest of others,when it's done, in the next few days.Regards, John.
J.P. Hall

RE Compressing front spring.I have just been through this situation. here is what I did. I bought a length od threaded rod. (No matter about the bending of it) two nuts put the fist nut on and passed it through the bottom wishbone hole.. Where the anti-roll bar fits.Put the rod through the hole on the top wishbone (Where the Bump-stop is) and viola.!!! just wound it up from the top. compressed the spring ok....
Good Luck..
( Having rebuilt this car from rust bucket to near concourse (My own feelings only)
I may write a book of my experiences...
G.R Cotter

Good thinking, Gordon - thanks for that. Also to Chris Pick and Willem, I used the Pick Procedure to take the strain off the bump stops; lost the new engine mount block for a few days; found it again, and now have the engine and gearbox reinstalled.Thanks to you all for responding. Regards, John.
J.P. Hall

This thread was discussed between 01/06/2014 and 25/06/2014

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