Question
MGB 1966
Hi Barrie,
Now that you have helped us get the 1966 MGB started, and is is running very well, thank you. We want to change the suspension from the original to something?? At present it is bouncing all over the place. We are not sure where to start and there seems to be a number of different options. We want to use the MG for general driving not for racing.
I've included a photo of the car.
Thanks
Rob
AnswerHi Rob. Thanks for the photo - the car looks really nice.
The MGB should not bounce around. Test each corner of the car by pressing sharply downwards on the bodywork. The car should rise up and then settle. If it bounces, the shock absorbers are shot. Firstly, check that they are full of oil. You will need the correct oil, which is ISO22 hydraulic oil. Do not use engine oil, it will destroy the rubber seals. Each shock absorber has a bolt on top that acts as a filler plug. If the shock absorber leaks oil then it should be replaced with an exchange unit. All parts are available from Moss Motors in the USA. They also have an excellent catalogue with blow-up diagrams. Their website is also good, with the same diagrams.
If you want to upgrade the suspension, the first thing I would do is to fit a front 5/8 inch anti-roll bar (sway bar). In 1966, a 9/16 bar was sold as an optional extra. You may have one of these, or you may have none at all.
Stage 2 is to fit polyurethane bushes front and rear. Moss sell a complete kit.
Stage 3 is to fit telescopic rear dampers. If your rear lever arm dampers are shot, this is a better solution than fitting exchange dampers.
May I give a plug for my book? "Barrie's Notes" is available from the MG Car Club, and it contains 96 pages of information on the MGB.
