Tech tips Rear telescopic damper conversion

Post by **winger300** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 9:52 pm

Could someone send me the info on the telescopic damper conversion that uses the Mini front dampers.

Does anyone actually use this setup? Is it actually any better than the standard lever arms?

Post by **MoggyTech** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 1:13 am

I've got mini Gas dampers all round. To fit the rear ones you need the kit.
The kit contains, a cross member that bolts to the floor at the rear. A modified bottom carrier plate under the leaf spring that has a rod and thread to take the shock absorber lower eye mount. Plus the shock absorbers of course.

The fitting is straight forward and it does improve handling on bumpy road surfaces, but the rear end is till quite lively in the wet

Other advantage is the shock are maintenance free, so no removing dampers to top up.

Link below will show you the kit contents

http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/pro ... b07394eead

Post by **Alec** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 7:01 am

Hello Winger,

I fitted a rear telescopic conversion to my wife's Traveller, which looks very like the one in the link and subsequently found that the rear floor cracked. Discussion on this board confirmed that this is a weakness and the consensus is that a turret type kit is better. I welded up the floor and reinforced the cross bar mounting.
Also Owen Burton, in his modification book, says that Mini dampers on the front of a Minor does not work as the dampers have insufficient stroke.

In view of these points you may want research what is available to you?

Alec

Post by **Willie** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 8:39 am

All rear telescopic kits which do not include turrets do not have sufficient
space for full deflection of the dampers but many owners run this type of kit quite happily. My Owen Burton kit improved the car but the top beam
snapped in half eventually. Do not attempt to use the floor as a load bearing part of the assembly.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 1:57 pm

I found Mini dampers too short - used Viva rear dampers (large diameter and v long stroke) on the front suspension - in conjunction with the original dampers these give a 'magic carpet' ride. Tried to fit dampers at the rear (Traveller) and the floor is hopelessly weak - it will need a 'Forth Bridge' structure across the car to take the loads. I am still 'planning' this !

Post by **winger300** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 1:57 pm

ah I see, sounds like the standard lever arms are the best cheap option then.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 2:02 pm

Well - they do work - you will get an improvement if you drain out the horrible old oil and refill with new. I use thicker (more viscous) oil (20/W50 or straight 40) - but many will say this is not right and you should stick to the original damper oil. Note that some Cos provide this in more than one viscosity!! Engine oil is fine - i've used it for years and years.

Post by **winger300** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 4:17 pm

I refilled mine recently with Hydraulic jack oil. They had been running empty for a long time, and since filling them one leaks a very small amount at the pivot point.

Do you think replaced the oil with something thicker would stop the leak? or just make it worse?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 4:49 pm

I doubt it will stop the leak - but if it's 'Minor' just live with it! Wipe it clean before MOT - it's the reason they have filler plugs - they are almost expected to leak a little oil! Jack oil is just simple mineral oil - usually about SAE 10 grade. More viscous oil = better damping. Experiment and see for yourself! I have used EP 90 oil in the past - but i don't really suggest that for a road car - bit too harsh!

Post by **Willie** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 5:20 pm

WINGER, I see you were referring to the 'Tech Tips ' rear damper conversion. Many owners have fitted this over the years and have seemed satisfied even though the angle of the dampers and the possible articulation are not ideal, at least it is simple. If you are interested I have the uprated Mini dampers and the special fittings which screw on to the original top mounts to complete this conversion which I will not be fitting ( I have reverted to standard lever arms). If you fit this mod then be warned that the drawings are wrong. the thread on the top mount is
3/8" BSF NOT 5/16"BSF as indicated.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 7:56 pm

Dampers should be mounted vertical to the movement of the supension - any angular mounting is just wasting damper efficiency!

Post by **wanderinstar** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 7:14 pm

IIRC rear dampers on a mini are fitted into turrets welded into inner wheel arches ( BMCECCOSSE can you confirm this.) Could this not be done with Minors?

Post by **jonathon** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 7:21 pm

It has been done Ian and is a commercially available Kit

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 8:09 pm

Plenty of strength for this on Saloons - nice big diaphragm across the car/rear shelf/roof etc - but the Traveller is sadly lacking in strength in this area so additional structure (hence my 'Forth Bridge' comment earlier) will be required.

Post by **wanderinstar** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 9:00 pm

Who does the kit Jonathon? I know there was someone down on South Coast, but they would only do the job themselves.

Post by **jonathon** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 9:23 pm

PM sent