Lowered rear suspension?

[Chris Edgar]

A previous owner had fitted telescopic dampers, both front & rear, to my 1965 2 door.

I think that the rear suspension must have also been lowered because the rubber bumpers hit the chassis over even small potholes...made much worse if there is a passenger in the back seat.

I have renewed the rear tele dampers, but this did not solve the bumps and bangs

The ground to wheel arch measurement is 1" lower at the back compared to the front. (I notice that "rear lowering block kits" are available from suppliers)

I'm wondering what needs to be done to return the suspension to normal height.

Any advice please.

regards
Chris

[panky]

First of all have a look underneath to see if blocks have been fitted and remove them if they have, you will probably need shorter 'U' bolts with the blocks removed. It could also be possible that the leaf springs have flattened giving a lower ride in which case new or re-profiled springs will be required
The bangs could even be caused by the tele dampers running out of travel and bottoming out - ouch

[bmcecosse]

As above - new springs, and get rid of the hopeless teledampers. Nothing wrong with the lever arm dampers - filled with SAE40 oil. Also make sure the rubber bump stops are in place, You can cut an inch off the top of the bump stops to reduce the 'banging' - but the teledampers probably don't have enough travel to allow that. Also check where the dampers have been fitted - if bolted to the rear floor they can cause considerable cracking damage - especially if running low.

[kennatt]

have a look at the rear shackles,and the area of the chassis leg above them,if the springs had flattened,you may see a mark on the chassis where the shackle has been making contact,it could be the noise you are hearing

[Chris Edgar]

Many thanks for the replies.

I have checked and there are no spacer blocks fitted, so the springs must be tired and need to be replaced.
I have done this job on a previous Minor....awful job getting the front spring pins out, as I recall.

Of course the Armstrong dampers are long gone...will check on the travel of the teles after new springs, bushes etc. fitted.

The teles are part of a kit which I see is sold by ESM (and probably others) for £86.

Point regarding cutting bump stops and rear shackles, thanks.

Cheers
Chris