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MG TD TF 1500 - Rear Springs

My frame up rebuild on my TF is continuing. I figure it's probably worth the like changing all the wheel bearings, u-joints, brakes, etc. while I have easy access to everything.

My question is: Is there any fear that the rear springs may be experiencing metal fatigue after 30 years of road use and 20 years of storage (on the wheels, not blocks)? Should I replace them now anyway since it's easier, or is this just a waste of money? Aside from obvious rusting there are no obvious signs of damage. I plan of replacing all the spacer pads and bushings, so they will be fully disassembled.

Also, is there anything else I should look at replacing whether damaged or not? Is there somewhere I can find a checklist of life expectancy of "consumable" items?

Any advice is appreciated,

Reg
R Zatrepalek

Reg,
IMHO, I would replace the springs. It is much easier to do it now with the body off. I replaced mine last year, and am very pleased with the new ride and control of the car, and no more bottoming out with a fully loaded luggage rack. . It was definatly not a waste of money...
SPW
Steve

Steve,

Thanks for that response. I was leaning towards replacement anyway, but appreciate the sanity check.

Next question: Should I buy springs from Moss (or other) or should I have them made locally from spec.?

Thanks in advance,

Reg
R Zatrepalek

Reg, if the springs are in good shape and just need the hardware, bushings and spacer rubbers replaced, just do that. It is very easy to do and if the spring height is correct, why spend the extra money for new springs? It will be very obvious when you take the springs apart if one of the leaves is damaged. I have done this on 2 cars and have never seen a damaged leaf yet. The archives are filled with info about measuring the rear end for correct spring height. If this is off..don't bother, just replace the springs. Don't forget to derust the individual leaves (I used a drill with a wire brush attachment) and paint with a good quality black paint. I found date codes for 1949 (I have a TD #0533 made in Jan 1950) on my car's springs.
Cheers, Rob
Rob Silverman

Our TF came home from California some 8 years ago. The main problem has turned out to be rubber. Anything made of rubber has rotted or is in poor condition. So, while you have it all in bits replace rubber, like suspension bushes and bump rubbers and pads, also front suspension and king pin seals. Then there are all the little rubber bits in the bodywork like the gasket round the pedals and the bushes in the firewall and the rubber boots over the starter motor switch terminals. While you are at it add the optional rubber boot over the fuel pump too.
Paul Joachim

This thread was discussed between 29/07/2003 and 31/07/2003

MG TD TF 1500 index

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