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Advice Needed from experts

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Barry_Osborne

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I have a 59 sprite and got almost everything blasted and disassembled. I am getting ready to primer and paint everything under the bonnet and get started.

I am looking to convert the front brakes to disk and while I am at it, change out the suspension and help with a few handling mods. I am switching to the 400lb springs and a ¾ sway bar with solid mounts.

Is ¾ too much?

Any thoughts about tube shocks versus the original shocks? What brand tube shocks are the preference and the cost isn’t going to burn?

I was looking at this setup https://www.spritemania.com/web/Item/C%2DGSA200/AddedFrom/CatBrowse%2D%20SUSPENSION/InvDetail.cfm

I notice that they have the old shocks still mounted. I am wondering if this is just to keep the upper control arm? I shouldn’t rebuild the old shocks also, should I?

When I swap out the new parts for disc brakes, do the original tie-rod ends fit on the new “midget” A arms? (Yes, the tie-rods will be brand new.) Or should I get new tie-rods that are for the newer midget steering rack?

By-the-way, I am still looking for all of the brake conversion “gear”. If anyone has any leads on a disc brake conversion, let me know.

Lots of thoughts and questions—thanks!!
 
The tie rods ends will fit as long as you keep the original steering rack and steering arms.
For the disc brakes you have to change the king pins or an easy way is the whole A arm and spindles from a disc brake car but do switch back to your original steering arm to fit those t/r ends.
As for the tube shocks, I am not a fan. The original shox when rebuilt are as good if not better. (IMHO)

I am running a 3/4 sway bar and I love it. I did have a 7/8 and it was just too much.

I may also have the disc brake set up off a 69 parts car I have out in my storage coop. I am not sure and it's a bit away from home but I could check and see.
 
Thanks spritenut,

I would certainyl be interested in your parts. I would be looking for everything I need, including the rear brake conversion. I have been told to swap the rear with the front to help with bias. So if I swap everything out for the discs, the new steering arms should not be switched to the old ones? If that is the case, I should get the new tie rods from a later model. Will the newer tie rods fit the old rack? Old tie rods https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29291

New tie rods
https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29292

If I need the new ones, do I need to change to the newer rack?

So you prefer the original shocks in the front? How is the ride?


Thanks!!
 
[ QUOTE ]
I notice that they have the old shocks still mounted. I am wondering if this is just to keep the upper control arm? I shouldn’t rebuild the old shocks also, should I?

[/ QUOTE ]

With the Big Healey conversion the recommendation is to rebuild the shocks to ensure that they function well as the upper suspension arms, and then remove the internal control valves that otherwise dampen movement. Without the shock arms and body to hold it all together the tube shoack and its mounts wouldn't be strong enough to carry the car's weight.

If your shocks are otherwise in good condition you could probably skip that... but then there'd be less motivation for the change too.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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