British-Cars.org

Welcome to the DMR Site for British Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - TD/TF rear springs specifications

Can anyone inform me why the two cars have different free cambers and working loads as specified in the Workshop Manual or is one a misprint? I have mine awaiting refurbishment after ones from Moss sagged straight in 3 months and can find no record of spring modifications anywhere else.
The Workshop Manual does show a discrepency with weights laden and unladen for the two cars. Any help appreciated.
R J WHITE

Moss and Abindon Spares both list different rear springs for TD and TF, so there really is a difference. If not for a car weight difference, perhaps to change the spring rate for handling characteristics? If they are only 3 months old, Moss would likely take them back and replace. George
George Butz

Thanks George, Moss have already agreed to refund but I would just like some definite confirmation of the difference and why.
R J WHITE

I put TF springs on the back of my TD specifically because I wanted to drop the chassis and fenders closer to the tires for cosmetic reasons. Could it be that the change between TD and TF springs at the factory was for the same reason?
Dave Jorgensen

The specifications in the workshop manual say:

TD: 42" long, 4.1" camber, 500lb working load at 0.5" camber.
TF: 42.5" long, 2.85" camber, 397lb working load at nil camber.

The rate of both springs is the same at about 139lbs per inch, so they would be similar in terms of ride characteristics. The difference is in the working load and the camber at working load. The unladen weight of the TF is about 150lbs less than the TD, so this may explain most of the difference, assuming the weight difference is concentrated at the rear. However, I'm no expert, so there may be a totally different explanation.

Matt
Matt Davis

Thanks everybody. A problem with the Workshop manual is that it gives

TD unladen wt. 941kg / laden 2 up = 1120kg
TF unladen wt. 878kg / laden 2 up = 1120kg

so smaller people or misprint?
R J WHITE

Hi,
The spring camber was probably changed to alter the handling.
A nil camber gives little or no change in over/understeer. Positive camber gives roll oversteer,the loaded (outer) wheel moves rearward and the unloaded wheel moves forward twisting the axis of the axle.
I run TD springs on my TF because of the appalling condition of our local roads and the difference in handling is very pronounced.Roll oversteer when one up and low on fuel can make life interesting.
The next step is an anti-roll (sway) bar.
Ray
TF2884
Ray Lee

RJ

While the TF was lighter, both suspensions were rated at the same gross weight. In aircraft parlance, we would say the TF had a higher useful load.

warmly,
Dave
Dave Braun

This thread was discussed between 27/06/2011 and 28/06/2011

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join this live forum now