John,
Good to hear from you again. I believe we last met up at the first BMTA
meeting. Anyway, one to more important things.
The TD will never be up to the suspension standards of a modern sports car.
That being said, be sure all of the suspension rubber is replaced. Even
consider using nylatron bushings or the MGB V8 bushings. This should tighten
up the suspension considerably. Check the trunnions in the rear. Be sure the
rear axle is SECURELY tightened down (consider using MGA plates between the
axle and U-bolts). Also, how are the king pins and front axles? Has the car
been aligned. How about the tire pressures? And the wheels themselves? The
wheels were made from a fairly soft steel and warp or get dented easily. How
is the steering rack? Tight? Don't forget the tie rod ends. Jack up the
front end and give everything a good shake. There should be no perceptible
looseness anywhere.
Lots to check and think about, I know. But every little thing can contribute
to a sloppy drive. (Don't bother to ask how I know.)
Cheers and a Merry Christmas,
Lew Palmer
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-mg-t@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-mg-t@autox.team.net] On Behalf
Of John Gunnell
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2004 2:51 PM
To: mg-t@autox.team.net
Subject: MG TF suspension
Hello Mates
I haven't posted anything in a good long time as I've got a project going to
fix up twin red '90 Pontiac Sunbird convertibles for my twin granddaughters
who will turn 16 (driving age) in May 2005. But I got my MG TF 1250 back
from the shop last weekend, so the passion has been reignited.
The car was in the shop since April having the engine rebuilt. What a time
to get the "Your Car is Ready" call in Wisconsin. But last Wednesday was 37
degrees and sunny so I drove it the 60 miles home and it ran like a dream. I
would recommend this shop (Auto Clinic in Neenah, Wis.) to anyone needing an
engine done.
Anyway, the car runs fine, but it drives the same old way. Feels like it has
no suspension. Especially bad when driving over lateral breaks in the road
surface, particularly expansion cracks.
Last year I had the rear shocks rebuilt by Worldwide in Madison, Wis.
Another great place to do business. Now I'm wondering what to do next. Can
leaf springs cause this. They don't look bad. Could it be just the bushings.
Could it be something else all together? (It isn't the tires because I
changed those)_.
This will be a late-winter project. No rush, but any enlightenment will be
most appreciated.
John Gunnell
Old Cars Weekly
Iola, WI
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