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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Axle to leaf spring U-bolts

Does anyone know of slightly longer than standard axle to leaf spring U-bolts that still have the standard 3/8 UNF thread?

I have some new standard ones, and some new extra long for lowering blocks but I want something between those lengths. I have some old ones but no idea where they came from and I don't really want to cut longer threads on my extra long ones.

So, anyone clues on specific bolts or cars that used a similar axle but with a longer U-bolt (it seems some Morris Minor U bolts have a Whitworth thread).

Thanks.
Daniel

What about using your extra long set and adding spacers between the nut and spring plate so the nuts don't reach the end of the thread.
David Billington

Apparently, Owen Springs do a wide range of u-bolts.

Might be worth a call.

https://www.owensprings.co.uk/leaf-springs/
Dave O'Neill 2

IME Morris Minor are UNF. Van ones are a bit longer than standard car.
David Smith

Thanks for all the replies. Owen springs sent me a form I completed. I do have a U bolt that is longer than Sprite/midget but shorter than what you get if you buy a lowering block kit.

Hopefully Owen springs will advise they have a U bolt which may well turn out to be the Morris Minor van bolt but I may have a look for some of them as well.
Daniel

Daniel

Grayston Engineering make an extra length U bolt for the Midget/Sprites-and Morris Minor rear axle , part number GE24. They do not do direct retail sales.

GE23 MG - Standard length + 40m
GE24 Morris Minor / Sprite & Midget Standard length + 50mm
GE25 Ford - Standard length + 50mm
GE26 Morris Marina - Standard length + 35mm

SUPPLIED IN PAIRS

Grayston Engineering Ltd
115 Roebuck Road • Chessington • Surrey KT9 1EU • UK
Telephone 020 8974 1122 • Fax 020 8974 2288
e-mail sales@grayston.biz

(you might need to cut ‘n’ paste the following weblinks to work):

http://www.grayston.biz/ubolots%20extra%20long%20page.htm

http://www.grayston.biz/index.htm

Suppliers often seem to stock such a U bolt but only part of a lowering kit with the lowering blocks so you might need to phone Grayston direct to see which MG/Morris Minor stockists they supply these U bolts too. Failing that try every Morris Minor and Midget specialist you can think of (Kim Dear might still be supplying some parts too).

The Grayston Engineering extra length 7/16 inch UNF U bolts for Ford Escort rear axles seem more readily available such as from Burton Power: https://www.burtonpower.com/u-bolt-nuts-7-16-unf-extended-2-each-ge25s.html (and I expect from a variety of rally parts places such as Rally Design, Rally Nuts etc).

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

Daniel are these any use, U bolts for 7 & 8 leaf spring Morris Minor Travellers, vans and pickups (part number SUS729K)?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174257560513

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134928336478?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338268676&toolid=10044&customid=CjwKCAjwrIixBhBbEiwACEqDJYwSSZqqnUJg8KCo6tuOh4XvvE0HFidq8EFmFgrRLm-xt9XiXQmMyRoCfioQAvD_BwE

Full lowering kit: https://www.morrisminorspares.com/rear-suspension-axle-propshaft-c87/rear-suspension-c89/rear-lowering-block-kit-lowers-rear-by-1-25-32mm-p831351 Oddly ESM Morris Minor Spares sell these extra length U bolts on their own on their eBay shop under part number SUS729K - see listing above) - but I can not find these on their own website.

Just to confuse matters see: https://www.morrisminorspares.com/rear-suspension-axle-propshaft-c87/van-pick-up-panels-parts-rear-suspension-c91 in particular: SUS766: https://www.morrisminorspares.com/rear-suspension-axle-propshaft-c87/van-pick-up-panels-parts-rear-suspension-c91/u-bolt-axle-8-leaf-spring-2-required-per-spring-p1238375 I am not sure what the difference is between this U bolt (SUS766) and SUS729K - maybe phone ESM to ask?

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

Update. The Morris Minor bolts for 7 leave springs are exactly what I wanted. I bought a set from Ebay that are the right length but with a BS thread!

Owen Springs will make me exactly what I want (seemingly without knowing I want something the same length as the 7 leaf Minor Spring at the price per bolt everyone else sells a set of 4 at!

I found Grayston and not retail etc.

Then, the company I should have contacted first - Abington MG Parts - part of the David Manners Group and in 'old money' the Morris Minor Centre Birmingham' who had the 7 Leaf Minor U bolts with a UNF thread - might arrive early next week.

Thanks for all the responses and while this information ought to be in a book, it isn't. . . .
Daniel

:-)
Yet.
David Smith

This thread was discussed between 12/04/2024 and 23/04/2024

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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