The 289 Register News No 37 Autumn 2010 | Page 19

Wish bone arms next. I just hung these on the pivot and bolted the spring pan to the arms loosely. As you can see, I ensured that the bushes are well lubricated where they come into contact with metal (in this case the large counter washers that aren’t included in the kit). The next step was to fit the anti roll bar drop arm. Do a dry run as these are handed. If in doubt do a dry run with the roll bar too so you know you’ve got them the right way round. I used plenty of anti seize compound as I had to grind the originals off that were on the MGB as they were seized solid! Next up, the Kingpins. Top trunion to the shock absorber first (with bushes well lubricated). All that was fairly easy, I had the springs to contend with next. I decided to go about this with health and safety in mind. I’d bought some spring compressors when I stripped the MGB and they were of no use then. I was determined to at least use them once. I could bore you all with the different ways I tried to use these but I wont bother. I never used them. The easiest way is (or easiest way I could find is) to get four or five willing helpers and get them to sit on the chassis to weigh it down (don’t let them get up whilst you are jacking up the spring pan!!!!!!!). Get a trolley jack and place it under the front edge of the spring pan. Smear the top and bottom of the spring in copper slip (anti seize compound), jack up the spring pan slowly (with the spring properly located at the top and hooked over the lip at the back of the seat on the spring pan) and compress the spring, guide the bottom trunion (complete with grease retaining rubbers and shims / spacers) between the wish bone arms and stick the prelubed bolt through! But you should never do it that way!!! If you find another way, the proper safe way ... let me know! All of the suspension was now together but all of the bolts needed tightening. I tightened all of the bolts up to the correct torque setting. In the kit they supply nyloc