MGB Register Forum

Hello,

What extras will be needed when replacing the lever-arm front shock absorbers on a 1978 MGB (“’76 September-on” model—rubber bumper, standard GSA 119-type)? Took ages to locate anywhere that had two in stock, so I’d like to avoid any mistakes.

1. Will I need new mounting bolts and washers?
2. Will I need a paper/cork mounting gasket to go under each shock? If so, is paper or cork best and can anyone confirm this part number?
3. Will I need to change the (polyurethane) bushes on new or reconditioned units? These are the top-outer bushes that fit inside the eyes of the lever arms where they connect to the front kingpin via the upper fulcrum pin.

Am I missing anything else?

I have just had the same problem ordering 1 - most of the normal suspects seem to be out of stock. I have yet to fit it, but from the last time I did it:

There is no gasket under the shock. As to new bolts etc, for the cost of them I ordered a set of 4 and still have 2 , 1 used when replacing and 1 subsequently. I also ordered a top trunnion pin etc just in case, as I needed the car back on the road quickly.

If the PU bushes look OK I would pop them back in - I had some spare assembly 'grease' - you can get a set overnight if they look a bit worn/damaged when you take them out. Easy enough to swap out later if there is an issue - the potential main problem is getting the top trunnion pin out? Mine came out easily, but you will have done that!

Thanks MikeD. I haven’t started yet, but have now ordered the reconditioned front shocks—from Rugby Classic Motor Garages, if anyone else is having difficulty in finding somewhere that has them in stock (£180 for both with £60 back on returning the old ones).

I used the wrong term for that “gasket”. It’s a metal sheet that might be under one or both shocks—ensuring levelness?

Further reading about that trunnion pin, along with concern about the pressure of the spring, as well as the awkwardness of tightening the bolts fully while all wheels are on the ground (not to mention alignment being toe-in, not straight or toe-out), has given me cause to hire the local garage to do this job. I’m a mere tinkerer, not a proper mechanic, and would be working in a small garage that only just fits the B —I’d like to be driving the car before this lovely weather changes, not sometime next Spring.