suspension

[glee]

waiting for the AA as my bottom trunion has just popped off the swivel pin - luckily in a car park and not on a road doing 60.
On the Bullmotiff site they sell one specifically for a van - a tad more expensive. Does the van warrant a different one to the saloons etc? Other parts sites don't seem to specify and different option. Bullmotiff also suggest its genuine new mowog. Don't mind paying extra just curious about quality differences. If anyone knows it would be appreciated.
Cheers G

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Very unlucky that your suspension has gone, was the steering getting heavier or any signs? Ive only seen it happen on one car and the wheel was sitting at a real bad angle it also looked like the chassis leg was wrecked. When I bought my first minor the drivers side front suspension had been jacked back into place and the hold lot held in place with a thick rope and a chisel to tighten it...... Im told it generally happens at low speeds as the force of going fast helps keep it in place.

The van one is slightly heavier than the car one, it was fitted when the payload was increased to 8cwt.

I would have a strip down of the other side in the near future to check its condition seeing this has happened!

[kennatt]

I seem to remember BMC saying that the wolsely back plate,stops the trunnion from separating,something to do with the shape of it holding the trunnion,don;'t know myself but is another good reason to fit the wolsely front brakes ,if this is the case.He'll be along as soon as he comes back from wherever his has gone to.

[philthehill]

The only difference between the Minor car/traveller steering swivel and the 8cwt van steering swivel is the size of the tapered hole for the steering arm. The steering arm of the 8cwt van is therefore of a larger diameter not only at the taper but overall. BEFORE you buy 8cwt van uprights make sure that you have the van steering arms as they are near impossible to come by. I have genuine BMC 8cwt van swivels fitted to my Minor (purchased from Bull Motif many years ago) with the larger steering arms so I know that they can be fitted to a standard Minor.
I would agree that you need to check the other swivel for serviceability and the condition of the seals.

[Declan_Burns]

I would replace the kingpins, bushes and trunnions on both sides.
Regards
Declan

[glee]

Many thanks for your responses. Both sides are going to get a few hundred quid thrown at them. Its 50 next year so i guess i should spoil it a bit. Made in Dublin so i shall be having a party with guiness and jamesons invited. Easy G

[bmcecosse]

Just fit new standard king pins -and grease them well! Yes - the W backplates are shaped such that the lower trunnion can't 'escape' . It would be easy enough to add a little angle iron 'catcher' under the trunnion on standard backplates...... But really - regular maintenance and greasing will ensure the king pins last pretty much 'for ever'.