General TR Spitfire/ Herald Suspension & Steering

[Trevor Triumph]

The Herald is on the road, sort of. I can't have the front end aligned because the balls joints and tie rod ends need to be replaced. The tie rod ends are the same part number, for the Herald and the Spitfire. The upper ball joint have the same part number. The problem is the trunnions are different parts numbers but attach to the same vertical link. The question: "Can I use the Spitfire parts on the Herald?" TRF is having a sale so I could rebuild the front end and steering at reduced price. And have the parts a little quicker than ordering from the UK.

T. T.

 

[TR3driver]

I have no idea; but Canley seems to have the same part numbers listed, 140919/20.
https://www.canleyclassics.com/triumph-herald-1200-front-suspension

What numbers do you have?

 

[Trevor Triumph]

The Triumph part number for the vertical link is 205483/ 4 for both cars. The upper ball joint is 122509 for both cars. The trunnion assembly numbers; Herald 122130 and Spitfire 32064.

 

[TR3driver]

The trunnion assembly numbers; Herald 122130 and Spitfire 32064.

I can't find any listing for either of those numbers. But the folks at Canley usually know their stuff, and they say 140919/20 will fit.

 

[Grantura_MKI]

The first step is to strip the uprights and have them magnafluxed. These become brittle and deteriorate from lack of lubrication. If the trunnions are shot, then I bet the uprights are the same.
best,
d.

 

[Trevor Triumph]

Darn, just more and more work. Good idea, however. Thanks. Time to get started.

 

[LarryK]

Usually the bronze trunnions go first.

 

[Grantura_MKI]

Usually the bronze trunnions go first.

Not really....have seen many with rotted threads and are unsafe.
just experience with these.

 

[LarryK]

My biggest problem on the front was the lower wishbones would oval the shock mount holes from jumping railroad tracks. I only had to replace trunnions once in each of my 2 Spits and a GT6. But, then mine were well oiled, not greased, as per specs.

 

[Grantura_MKI]

You are spot on with the oiling. Have seen too many with grease in the trunnions which is a failure waiting to happen and the cause of poor threads, etc.

 

[Trevor Triumph]

What is the oil to use?

 

[LarryK]

I just used motor oil 30W or 40W non-detergent. Pushed thru zert.

 

[Andrew Mace]

Typical specification for the Herald range was/is 90wt. gear oil!

 

[LarryK]

90 wt sounds better. I used a lighter oil, but I oiled monthly.