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MG MGB Technical - 4-Link Rear Suspension Kit?

Maidstone Sports Cars used to make a 4-link rear suspension kit similar to that used on the original MGB prototype, but has discontinued it. Does anybody out there make such a kit?
Steve S.

Steve, This is not a kit but is a DIY four link rear suspension using a shortened Rover SDI differential. Clifton
http://www.vord.net/cars/mgb_mods/rear_susp/4_link_rear_suspension.htm
Clifton Gordon

Steve,

Not a 4 link but IRS - http://www.hoyle-engineering.co.uk/html/suspension.html
Chris at Octarine Services

Clifton-
Eureka! That's it! A four equal-length parallel trailing arm coil spring rear suspension with the bottom links using the forward rear spring mounts as the attachment points for the lower trailing arms, plus a Panhard rod, just the same as the first MGB prototype! Thanks! Now I can really start cookin' in the garage.

Just in case anybody out there is wondering why this rear suspension didn't make it into production, thereby hangs a tale: A prototype was fitted with the suspension, but the Panhard rod was much shorter than the ones we use today, and it tended to either tear the top mount out of the car or break the Panhard rod itself. Its exteme shortness also caused complaints from test drivers of rear wheel steer. Test driver Roy Brocklehurst unknowingly took the protoype out onto the track before the bump stops had been fitted. The suspension compressed until a wheel jammed to a stop inside the wheelarch, causing the car to go out of control and crash. When asked for his opinion of the new rear suspension, he is reported to have commented "Not much." These factors, along with cost considerations, caused the car to be redesigned with the leaf spring rear suspension that we're so familiar with today.
Steve S.

Bummer!

Bill Guzman is also working on a rear kit.
Steve Simmons

Steve-
Really? What kind is it? IRS (not interested), or a 4-link that retains the axle? It's getting cooler now, so I'll have to postpone finishing the paint jobs on the MGC and midget until Spring, and I need something mechanical to keep me busy until then. Duplicating the coil spring four link rear suspension like the engineers at MG wanted would be just right for me.
Steve S.

He's been working on it for a while and last I heard he was getting close. His upgraded front kits are available now.

http://www.classicconversionseng.com/
Steve Simmons

Steve S

I would recommend that you also put a call/email in to Frontline Spridget in Bath, UK.

They have just engineered an excellent 5 link rear suspension system for the B which is coil sprung (using their own calculated spring rates) and a panhard rod (comprising the 5th link).

I have yet to try it out, but would like to very shortly. I have seen it and its very neat. Its priced competively inside of IRS and first impressions suggest its a competent system.

FWIW ~PHIL
Phil

Phil-
Frontline Spridget has such a kit? I'm familiar with their stuff and some of it is going into my Midget project. I'll Email them right away. If you do get a chance to drive their prototype, Email me and let me know your impressions!
Steve S.

This thread was discussed between 06/10/2004 and 07/10/2004

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.