Suspension

Modifying the suspension.

Modifying the suspension can be done either before or after the chrome bumper conversion has been completed. The increase in rubber bumper ride height was achieved by the use of a modified front cross member. It is impractical to fit the chrome bumper cross member as this is incompatible with the rubber bumper steering column. The easiest way to lower the front of the car is to fit shorter (but stiffer) coil springs. At the rear, Leyland modified the spring hangers to achieve the extra height needed. Again, it is simpler to fit flatter (and stiffer) leaf springs rather than replace the spring hangers. Special lowering kits are available in the UK and these contain all the necessary parts except the shorter rear shock absorber link arms, which have to be ordered separately.

Fitting the lowering kit can be done by the gifted amateur with the right equipment and plenty of spare time. However, an MG workshop should be able to fit the kit in about six hours.

Checklist for modifying the suspension:

Fit rubber bumper lowering kit

Fit chrome bumper rear shock absorber link arms

and optionally: fit front anti-roll bar and chrome-bumper lower wishbones to pre-September '76 cars

Suspension before lowering

Raised ride height is much more noticeable once car's length has been reduced by the removal of rubber bumpers. With 175/70 R14 tyres fitted, the gap between tyre and wheel arch before lowering was 2 inches at the rear and over 3 inches at the front.

The lowering kit reduces this to 0.5 inches at the rear and 1.5 inches at the front. The leaf springs flatten even more over time. Handling is superb due partly to the addition of a Ron Hopkinson anti-roll bar at the front. Rear bar is not recommended on a lowered car. Ride is slightly harder on uneven roads but feels normal on well-made roads.

...after fitting the lowering kit

Rubber bumper lowering kit reduces the car's ride height by approximately 1.5 inches all round. Telescopic shocks would improve ride and handling still further.
(These photographs are courtesy of the MG Owners' Club.)

Rubber bumper lowering kit