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MG MGB Technical - BGT ground clearance?

Sorry I haven't learned how to search the archives yet, but can anyone help with this one? - recently bought a '73 BGT; the rear end is low on the nearside, and I'm tossing up whether to go for new springs or re-temper the originals. Have owned roadsters before, but my memory of the GT "back in the day" is that they sat quite proudly at the rear end. Would anyone know the official or recommended ride height at each corner? - I'm on imitation minilite rims called "Performance",diameter 390mm; tyres are 175/75 R14 at 28psi all round, and at the moment the heights at each wheelarch (on level concrete!) are as follows:

Nearside front - 640mm; Offside front - 660mm
Nearside rear - 575mm; Offside rear - 587mm

I look forward to any advice. Cheers all. John Hall.
John Hall

John,

I don't have the correct dimensions at hand, but suggest that you count the leaves on your rear springs. On a GT, they should have seven-leaves. It may be possible that some PO has replaced yours with roadster springs.

Outside of that, we all need a reliable source for good new rear leaf springs. My '73 GT, with springs I bought new about 12 years ago, is sagging on both sides at the rear. I too have Performance 14 X 6 minilites and the left rear wheel will rub on the wheel-arch flange just slightly in a hard left turn with a passenger on board.

If anybody finds a source for GOOD rear springs, there's definitely a market. Otherwise, what should we do - convert to adjustable gas shocks?

Allen
Allen Bachelder

John
If you take a look at the archives you will see NUMEROUS complaints re aftermarket leaf springs. Too high, not matching, etc. etc.

The replacement springs are notoriously inconsistent and of poor quality.

You might take it to a local shop and see if they can re-arc and rebuild the springs to your specifications.
Barry
Barry Parkinson

Thanks to Allen and Barry for your comments - are any BGT owners able to check your height at front and rear wheelarches for me? - no point in my guessing at what height to aim for, if anyone can tell me correct or recommended height it would be very much appreciated. Thanks again. John.
John Hall

Ride height figures here...

http://www.mgbmga.com/tech/mgb14a.htm
Dave O'Neill 2

OOOPS

Just re-read it and it suggestes lowering to that height!
Dave O'Neill 2

Dave O'Neill - your tip has helped, thanks - I forgot about taking the measurement for ride height from centre wheelcap to lower edge of chrome strip (or presumably top of wheelarch in the absence of chrome strip on some cars).I will amend my measurements and revert to the Board - I would still like to know whether there is an ideal ride height, or original specs, or whatever.Regards, John.
John Hall

John,
There is a comprehensive volume of information on this topic at: www.mgb-stuff.org.uk

Go to Spanners , then Steering and Suspensions , then Vehicle heights.

There is also a heap of stuff on spring rates and so on.

By the way there are several place making springs here in Australia which are both cheaper and better than some of the stuff available via the ususal aftermarket sources.

Pete.
Peter Thomas

Another site of interest on this topic: http://www.mgexperience.net/article/height.html . Also, this may be helpful: http://www.teglerizer.com/mgstuff/springs.htm
Bob Muenchausen

Now we're cooking! - Peter, I'm having trouble with your "go to spanners ... then vehicle heights", but will keep trying. Bob Muenchausen, your suggestion struck gold, and thank you very much. The average ride height for chrome bumper B's will give me something to work on; I will try to find more info on BGT ride heights, perhaps on Peter Thomas' suggested lead. Thanks again all. John.
John Hall

John

Here's a link to the appropriate section...

http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/ride.htm#rideheight
Dave O'Neill 2

Dave O'Neill - thanks for bailing out this newbie! The link gives me plenty to think about; my wife must wonder why I keep furtively creeping down to the garage with a tape measure in hand! I hope soon to have decided on my preferred ride height, and whether to try re-tempering of old springs. I guess that will depend on their condition when I drop them. The springs, that is. John.
John Hall

I always thought that my '67 seemed a bit high at the back, compared with other cars that I have seen. Maybe the other cars were just sagging?!

http://i9.tinypic.com/5xsbd6e.jpg

I will have to measure it and see what the outcome is.
Dave O'Neill 2

Hi John,
My explanation is a little cryptic.

Go to the site and on the left on the home page there is section called Spanners.
Click on this and a new page called Hammer and Spanner should appear.
Below the Hammer and Spanner title is a list of sub sections.
Click on the one marked Steering and Suspension and a new page will also appear.
Click on the item Vehicle Heights on the bottom line and you should be there.

Hope you can follow this to find what you are looking for.

Cheers , Pete.
Peter Thomas

John,
I have just followed the instuctions I posted above and the item I listed as Vehicle Heights should have read Ride Heights.
Scroll down to the sub section marked "ride heights around the world" and there is a diagram of the front and rear heights from various people in different countries.

I apologise for any confusion caused.

Cheers , Pete.
Peter Thomas

Pete Thomas and Dave O'Neill - great help thank you - all the info I need to arrive at a good ride height, taking account of country roads here in the north.I might get on to you Peter off BBS re. possible source of good quality new springs - depends whether a local spring specialist can offer a quality product or re-temper old ones. Thanks again to all in the knitting circle for all your help, suggestions and contacts.John.
John Hall

John,
Glad to help out there.
Contact me on the email address on my name and I am more than happy to pass on whatever information I have if and when you need it.

Cheers , Pete.
Peter Thomas

This thread was discussed between 06/05/2007 and 12/05/2007

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