Steering, Suspension, & Brakes

tips, technology, tools and techniques related to non-driveline mechanical components

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63BlueMGB
Nick B
Kansas City, Mo.
(96 posts)

Registered:
01/16/2011 05:17PM

Main British Car:
1963 MGB

authors avatar
Front Wheel/Suspension Alignment
Posted by: 63BlueMGB
Date: September 23, 2014 11:19PM

Hello once again,

I recently just put my V8 in my 63 MGB, and adjusted my tie rods based upon this thread, [forum.britishv8.org]. Now the cars suspension/Wheels are pointed in on the top and the bottom are flared out, I am still using the 63 Springs. Do I need to upgrade springs or is there an adjustment that I am not aware of? My tires in the front are 245/45/R17. Any help or suggestion are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

Front wheel image1.jpg
Drivers side wheel.jpg
Passenger sit wheel.jpg



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/23/2014 11:21PM by 63BlueMGB.


Moderator
Curtis Jacobson
Portland Oregon
(4577 posts)

Registered:
10/12/2007 02:16AM

Main British Car:
71 MGBGT, Buick 215

authors avatar
Re: Front Wheel/Suspension Alignment
Posted by: Moderator
Date: September 24, 2014 07:31AM

My guess is that your car has aftermarket Negative Camber lower control arms installed. If so, they're a little longer than stock. Negative camber can be helpful for autocrossing (where you're making quick turns one after another), but it compromises braking. New/stock lower control arms are cheap. If in doubt, I'd buy and install them. Of course, you'll have to redo your toe-in adjustment. Camber adjustment isn't normally made via shims on an MGB.


mgb260
Jim Nichols
Sequim,WA
(2463 posts)

Registered:
02/29/2008 08:29PM

Main British Car:
1973 MGB roadster 260 Ford V8

Re: Front Wheel/Suspension Alignment
Posted by: mgb260
Date: September 24, 2014 09:02AM

Nick, Neg. camber lower arms would be my guess also. Another thought would be you tightened all the suspension bolts without the engine weight. Try loosening them a little and retighten.
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MGBV8
Carl Floyd
Kingsport, TN
(4512 posts)

Registered:
10/23/2007 11:32PM

Main British Car:
1979 MGB Buick 215

authors avatar
Re: Front Wheel/Suspension Alignment
Posted by: MGBV8
Date: September 24, 2014 09:37AM

Yep, too much negative camber. your tie rod ends had nothing to do with this. Measure your lower A-arms to see if they are the longer ones (very likely).

Your A-arms look fairly parallel to the ground so don't worry about '63 coil springs right now.


63BlueMGB
Nick B
Kansas City, Mo.
(96 posts)

Registered:
01/16/2011 05:17PM

Main British Car:
1963 MGB

authors avatar
Re: Front Wheel/Suspension Alignment
Posted by: 63BlueMGB
Date: September 24, 2014 08:43PM

Measured the length of my bottom plates and it measures about 12" from bolt hole to bolt hole. Is this the length of aftermarket control arms or are these the original ones.

I also did tighten my suspension when the motor was out of the car, however, the bolt holes do not have that much adjustment, so I cannot see that making that much difference but i could be wrong.

Thanks again for any help in advanced


mgb260
Jim Nichols
Sequim,WA
(2463 posts)

Registered:
02/29/2008 08:29PM

Main British Car:
1973 MGB roadster 260 Ford V8

Re: Front Wheel/Suspension Alignment
Posted by: mgb260
Date: September 26, 2014 11:33AM

Nick, could you have bolted the upper arm to the top of the kingpin facing the wrong way. Check yours with pictures of the MGB front suspension.


WernerVC
Werner Van Clapdurp
Lynchburg, Va
(108 posts)

Registered:
09/06/2009 12:56PM

Main British Car:
MGB 1977 Rover 3.5

Re: Front Wheel/Suspension Alignment
Posted by: WernerVC
Date: September 30, 2014 01:29PM

Talking of front end alignment, is there any re-adjustment to make on the caster ? Is it an advantage to give more caster by adding a shim between the cross member and the chassis ?
Werner



mgb260
Jim Nichols
Sequim,WA
(2463 posts)

Registered:
02/29/2008 08:29PM

Main British Car:
1973 MGB roadster 260 Ford V8

Re: Front Wheel/Suspension Alignment
Posted by: mgb260
Date: September 30, 2014 02:04PM

Werner, Most shim for less caster, easier steering.


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