LCV - Rear Dampers, Top Fixing Detail

[Sam_Finlay]

Has anyone got an exploded view or a cross section detail of the correct fixing detail for the top of the dampers on a pick-up or van?
Usual story - took it apart a few weeks back to replace it all and now that the new cross member is in I can't figure out whither there should be a couple of big washers between the inner mounting points and outer cross member channel, with or without spring washers or if the two bushes go side by side or are supposed to be spaced by a washer.

Here's a fag packet sketch of what I do know. [frame][/frame]

[les]

Sam, I'll post a view of these parts for you, may not be tonight though.

[les]

Hope this helps.
The n/s bolt is assembled from the opposite side to the o/s bolt.

[bmcecosse]

But - why the large hole/small hole ? Is the 'bolt' perhaps shouldered so it sits into the large hole ?
Great drawings BTW - I can't draw a stick man........ I'm so envious of those who can draw!

[Sam_Finlay]

Les - Just what I needed. Almost - I'm assuming that the large washers go either side of the rubber bush inside the inner support bracket rather than on the outside of it - 'cause that wouldn't make sense.

At least I now know that the short bush doesn't abut the larger bush but is spaced off by one of the large washers. I'll have a play with it tomorrow and should be able to figure it out from this illustration.

Many thanks.

By the way - the new replacement support cross member I purchased from a MM parts supplier isn't handed. The rusted original I cut out was handed as you describe. The larger holes, ( which I am assuming are the nut end {9} of the assembly. ) both face towards the rear on the new part. It's welded in now so it can stay.

[Sam_Finlay]

Sorry bmcecosse - was composing when you posted.

It's just a regular bolt but still has some zinc plate on it and could therefore not be the original fixing. One of them has a nyloc nut on the end which is a bit of a give away.

It's a good point though. Perhaps I should explore further.

[bmcecosse]

You will need to put spacers between the inner bracket and the outer bracket or it will just crush down. Unless somehow the bolt head is intended to sit inside the outer bracket - seriously doubt that though........ are the holes large enough to allow head/nut to go inside ?

[IaininTenbury]

Yes the outer holes are large enough for the bolt heads to pass through. It all tightens up on the inner part so the bolt heads are below the surface of the outer, so you need a socket rather than a spanner. The spacer washer/bush I think sits inthe larger hole - (itsa while since I built one up tbh) and yes it is an odd arrangement with one facing forwards, and the other back. Never really worked out why but its how they are....

[bmcecosse]

Trust BMC to make it difficult! Still don't see why one hole larger than the other - I assume both inner holes are same size - and snug fit for the damper bolt?

[les]

Yes the washers go either side of the rubber bush. The large hole, in the inner bracket, allows the small spacer to sit in it, in effect lengthening the larger spacer. The small spacer reached the outer flange so it doesn't crush the assembly when tightening. The bolt has no shoulder and does infact sit inside the outer metalwork. I think the crossmember has the hole sizes opposite so as in production it could be welded in either way round and still maintain the same order of top shock absorber bush, spacer etc. (It looks the same when turned through 180 degrees)

[Sam_Finlay]

Thanks guys - this was a big help. Been busy ( working ) and only got back to it this afternoon and am now trying to get the new leaf springs back on. What a pain they are proving to be!!

I'd have to agree with Les that the original hole positioning on the cross member was obviously down to handing and the small economy of scale gained by having a single part for the inner support bracket rather than a left and a right. A bit penny pinching on BMC's part and less relevant now so probably why there is now a left and a right handed inner designed for the bolts on each side to be assembled from the rear. I suspect that the design using a small spacer ( item 4 in Les's drawing ) in the larger hole had more to do with the variables and potential tolerance issues around lining up four holes on two pre-drilled, formed and welded components. The spacer provides a bit of a wiggle factor.