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MGB MGB vs Spridget

Rut

Obi Wan
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Ok guys, I know several of you own both and I see a lot of similarities, but a lot of differences as well in the construction of the cars. I bought a 1970 MGB with a bad engine about a month ago as a driver while I continue my long term restoration on the Bugeye. I pulled the engine which was not unlike the Bugeye, took it apart and inspected it, ordered a rebuild kit from Hap, and delivered the engine to the machine shop.
The block should be ready this morning, but in the meantime mission creep has set in. I pulled everything out of the engine compartment for a clean up and respray, replaced the brake and clutch systems, replaced the gas tank and fuel system, installed headlight relays, pulled the splash panels to get to the hinge nuts, etc. While the car is on jack stands I would like to replace the front suspension bushings, but don't know how to go about it. Do you pull the springs the same way as a Spridget? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Rut
 
The springs on the B can be removed without a spring compressor in most cases. A floor jack under the lower A-arm to prevent it jumping out all of a sudden works well. Lower it slowly until the spring is unloaded (after first disconnecting the upper kingpin from the damper, of course). Then it should be possible to simply pull the spring out. Much easier with caliper and the hub off the spindle.

If the spring has any preload after lowering the platform, BE CAREFUL. The procedure then is to put load on it with the jack again, remove the four a-arm retaining bolts and sway bar link, lower the jack straight down 'til the spring is relaxed.
 
Doc, with the engine out, I don't think there's enough weight up front to collapse the front coils to relieve the pressure on the lower pans. I could be wrong but with the engine out, there isn't much weight up front. PJ
 
Update...pulled the front cross member and removed the springs, etc. on the bench. With no engine there was not enough weight to compress the springs. The front end looks to be easier to work on compared to my Bugeye. I took the spindles off and it's now at the shop getting hot tanked and powder coated in chassis black and hope to have it back next Monday or Tuesday. Once I decide on bushings I'll put it together and reinstall...should I do this before or after I reinstall the engine?
Thanks, Rut
 
I'd do it subframe first but it pro'lly doesn't matter.

Paul said:
Doc, with the engine out, I don't think there's enough weight up front to collapse the front coils to relieve the pressure on the lower pans. I could be wrong but with the engine out, there isn't much weight up front.

Point taken and confirmed!
 
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