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MG TD TF 1500 - Rear spring link position? (TD)

My rear links have been re-bushed, and are "loosely" mounted on the chassis...Both rear springs have been re-built, as well...Along with new U-bolts/rubber, on the rear axle.
With the wheels on the BARE chassis, and the tires on the floor, the bottom of the links (spring end), point to about 7:00, on the driver side, and about 4:00 , on the passenger side...This was the position before rebuilding the springs...The springs were built correctly and are oriented with the short end to the front.
BUT, the axle is now resting on the check straps...(photo shows chassis in the air, without wheels, but the position didn't change when I set it on the wheels).
Should I wait to tighten the bolts, until the motor, etc., are back in the chassis?...Will the axle come up?
If you have a photo of a newly rebuilt spring link, in correct position, please post.

Thanks
Edward

E.B. Wesson

I think your shackles are over center. Place a bar between the spring and the uppermount and pry them back over-center the other way.They should trail to the rear.
DL Rezin

The rear diff on my car also sits on the check straps. It is in rolling chassis with the tub mounted. Once the car is together with interior etc. there should be enough weight to return it to its previous position. I am not going to worry about it, as I know it will be right when the car has all the weight load back .
C.R. Tyrell

Ed,

As long as the spring eyes are lower than the mounting eyes (the shackles are trailing down) the springs are mounted correctly. I was amazed at how much the interior and a full tank of gas settled the suspension. And yes, leave all suspension bolts loose, including the front spring pan bolts and the suspension pivot bolts. (it's OK to have the u-bolts to the axle tubes tightened- but it is a rubber mount so it is tough to know how tight is tight). Tighten everything before the test drive.

That's why I don't advise driving 'rolling chassis' cars.

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

D.L.
My shackles were always that way, even on the finished car...Here's an image of the way it was before I took it all apart. I don't think there's any way to trail to the rear, as the spring would hit the mount before it got there, and there's not enough length.
Dave
Thanks for the info...I don't want to have to undo/redo anything, later.
Edward

E.B. Wesson

Edward,
My TD is on stands centred under the U Bolts. All the normal car weight is supported at that point, including a full tank of gas. The shackle is forward of the c/l at about 5:oo. This would allow the shackle to move backward toward the centre line, under deflection. I believe this is the correct position.

George
George Raham [TD4224]

Ed,
I just have to ask,,,, what's up with the jumper cables??????

SPW
STEVE WINCZE

Steve
Left over from when I was removing the "empty" tank. I use jumper cables as grounds....Just an extra precaution, as the most dangerous tanks are the empty ones.
Something I learned in the Air Force, and though probably unnecessary, it makes me feel better.
Edward
E.B. Wesson

This thread was discussed between 27/12/2011 and 30/12/2011

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