Morris Minor Owners Club

Morey has a new brother. Announcing the arrival of Maxwell.

He arrived this afternoon, and I see lots bonding will be happening. Just when I have Morey humming, I'll be starting all over again.
First question.
Maxwell is a 61 Traveller. The left side sits 2 inches lower than the right. What height SHOULD I be measuring from ground to the top of the wing wheel arch at the center of the wheel? I have 14 inch wheels and tyres.
David[frame][/frame]

They usually sit low on the driver side - so this is a bit odd. Inspect under the passenger seat - is there any sign of the torsion bar reaction lever coming up through the floor?? If not (hope not!) - then lift the passenger side one spline on the torsion bar. Not a difficult job - then let it settle for a few weeks and see what transpires.

left = passenger side?

I've got 24 inches on the left, 24 on the right. Curious about what the correct value is.
As I did on the convertible, I'll be replacing all the bushings, clutch linkage, seals, etc. He will be up on jack stands till spring.
David

If it's 24 both sides - it's NOT listing!!

A rough guide is that you should just be able to get your hand sideways between the front wheel arch and the top of the wheel.

Sorry, My editor let the error slip through, it's 24 and 26 inches.

So - as earlier - assuming no damage under the seat - lift the left side (24") by one spline and then let it all settle. You may then decide to drop the right side one spline - but probably when you sit in it (right side) it will be sitting dead level after you lift the right side.

I think one spline raises and/or lowers height by 1 5/8 inch or 41mm. Finer adjustment is available by a plate with a series of holes in it. This is located at the rear of the torsion bar.

1 spline = 1.5in, 1 hole = 0.25in

My advice is - don't touch the rear adjustment!!

You're waving a red flag in front of me. Look up "contumacious," you'll see my picture next to the definition.
I might have to try messing with the rear end.

I understand how to adjust the height, but what is the correct height that I'm aiming for?

Whatever gives you a comfortable ride ! If it's too low it will batter the inner wing bump stops and eventually wreck the inner wings. Raise the low side - the driver side looks correct in the picture. This will lift it 1.5" , and then when you sit in the driver side - it will drop 1/2" and the car will ride level! What measure do you have on your other car??

Other car has 13 inch wheels.
I found a measurement to the center of the torsion bar in the workshop manual, 10+11/16 inch. I'll use that as my aiming point.
Thanks.

The important measurement is not from the ground - it is the distance from the top of the kingpin to the tip of the bump stop. And should be ~ 2"/ 2.5" when the car is sitting unladen. Compare that from the other car to this car. Wheel size will not affect that...

About 1.5 to the bump stop. I'll be raising things when I get to putting things back together.

To get the correct setting of the suspension see BMC Minor Wksp Manual Section K.2/K.3 and it will give you the correct settings
i.e. The difference in height between the lower suspension arm inner pivot pin and the outer pivot pin under a load of three passengers and full equipment is 3/8" or .95cm. using the same reference points 1.5/8" or 4.1cm unladen. All other reference points and measurements whilst good for quick reference should not be taken as datum. All measurements should be taken with the vehicle on a level surface.

I fixed the problem as close as I care to pursue it.
I found that section in the manual, and used the measurement for the front suspension unloaded.
As I was taking things apart and cleaning them, I accidentally knocked the arm off the torsion bar before I was able to mark it. If I hadn't found that section, I'd have been in for a week of trial and error.
It's still listing, but less so. Since the vernier adjustment on the right side is welded in place, I'm going to be happy with what I have.
David

Adjust the left vernier if that's not welded!

My advice - don't go anywhere near the 'vernier'.....