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MG TD TF 1500 - Which shocks are correct?

Folks, I have a TD, chasssis # TD13380, and I've got to replace the shocks - they're pretty weak.

Here's the strange bit... I've clearly got Armstrongs up front, but there's a set of Girlings in the back.

I called Peter at Worldwide and he says I should use the chassis number to check to see what would have been original to the car and put a set of those on. I agree with him, but I can't find anywhere what that chassis cut-over number was. I looked here in the archives and it seems that's never been determined - or did I miss something?

My car does seem to have the bumps on the inner side of the front fenders (wings) so...???

Also, if I do change over, apart from different length bolts, are there any other mounting issues - front or rear - that I'll have to deal with? Are the mountings on the rear axle the same for both?

Thanks for your wisdom, folks.
Kevin McLemore

Quoting "The T Series Handbook", On most Armstrong equipped TDs the front wings were dimpled to provide clearance...The service parts list shows both types of dampers, but does not tell us when the switch from Girling to Armstrong was made, nor does it list the modified front wings....Change was apparently made during 1953... Rears: Shocks have unique links the shock/links directly bolt on. Coin toss here, but I would match the brands. George
George Butz III

Thanks, George!

Yeah, my biggest concern is the rear shock mounts on the axle tube, but as you've noted they are the same, so apparently no worries there.

I think I'm going to go all-Girling - they seem to be a better shock (all iron, with bushings) and I'll have to get the longer bolt set to attach the front ones from Brown and Gammons, as my Armstrong ones are clearly too short.

The rears on my car look like the originals - indeed, they look as though they've never moved, and I do hope they come off without incident. I suspect the fronts were changed out at some point when new Girlings were NLA.
Kevin McLemore

I highly recommend Peter/Worldwide for rebuilding. Make sure you send the rear links in as he will rebush and reassemble them to the shock. George
George Butz III

IMHO: If you have the "bumps" on the front wings then you could have Armstrongs. If not then you must have Girlings. Other than that its 6 of 1, half dozen of the other.

My car (late TD) has Armstrongs but I am 99% sure it had Girlings originally. The tell tale sign for me was the stack of washers under the bracket for the engine stabilizer on the front shock. There really should have been a spacer there instead of a stack of washers.

The other give away was that my shocks were a metallic bronze color when I restored it in 1972 which indicated they were a replacement.
Christopher Couper

Thanks, guys, input much appreciated!
Kevin McLemore

I agree with keeping front and back the same. There is substantial evidence the last few TDs built had Grilling shocks, not Armstrong. Perhaps they were using up old inventory? Cars built with Armstrong shocks often have either as replacements, depending on price and availability at the time.
Be well,
David
D. Sander

This thread was discussed between 03/02/2021 and 05/02/2021

MG TD TF 1500 index

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