MGB Shocks

[Chris Haynes]

I have installed the MGB Shocks on the front of my '30. The MGB shock arms were the same length as the stock A arms but needed a little tweaking. If I run the MGB shocks on the rear I will have to increase the length of the arm, not a big job. But I wonder if the shock will work correctly with more leverage from the longer arm?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Chris Haynes

I have installed the MGB Shocks on the front of my '30. The MGB shock arms were the same length as the stock A arms. If I run the MGB shocks on the rear I will have to increase the length of the arm, not a big job. But I wonder if the shock will work correctly with more leverage from the longer arm?

It works fine. The Armstrong shock was designed so that you can install a higher viscosity oil if you need more dampening.

[Chris Haynes]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

It works fine. The Armstrong shock was designed so that you can install a higher viscosity oil if you need more dampening.

Thank you.

[denis4x4]

I'm using MG Midget/Sprite rear shocks on the front axle of my Model A hot rod. Had the valving changed for better handling

[Tim Ayers]

Love the looks of these.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

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Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Love the looks of these.

They'll polish up nicely too since they are aluminum.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Love the looks of these.

I agree that they look good. But, what a guy should be concerned about more, do they work good.
The answer, they work excellently. As a bonus, you can buy rebuilts right off of ebay and cheaply !!

[Chuck Dempsey]

Is there a particular set of years of MGB/Sprite that fit the 'A'?

Thanks!

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by hardtimes

I agree that they look good. But, what a guy should be concerned about more, do they work good.
The answer, they work excellently. As a bonus, you can buy rebuilts right off of ebay and cheaply !!

Sure, I guess I meant that without saying it. They seem like a better set-up than stock.

[Chris Haynes]

Originally Posted by denis4x4

Had the valving changed for better handling

Please tell me more about this.

[Kurt in NJ]

I had a MGB for many years, I learned to only buy new shocks, most of the rebuilds quit before the paint was dirty

[denis4x4]

These are the gurus of Armstrong shocks: http://www.nosimport.com/ Had them valved for hard down force and soft up force. You can also have them install a fill plug in the event you want to change the viscosity of the shock fluids.

[Hotrodfil]

I run MGB ones with the stock arm on the rear, but they hang too low on the front and hit the trackrod. How much clearance under the shock do you have Chris?

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

I had a MGB for many years, I learned to only buy new shocks, most of the rebuilds quit before the paint was dirty

That's funny. Could you post a few links to who is selling new ones?

[CarlLaFong]

Moss Motors in Goleta, CA has new and rebuilt Armstrong Girling shocks

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

That's funny. Could you post a few links to who is selling new ones?

I have good luck finding new (NORS) on eBay.

[jax55]

Looks like a good way to go, if you (I) don't have the bucks to buy new A shocks.
My originals are toast, no way to just rebuild them.... so, what do I need to know to look for these MGB shocks?
Year and specific models? or just ask/ look for "MGB shocks"?
Thanks guys!

[jax55]

I guess this set up is a secret among those in the know. :-)) If anyone is willing to share the info we need to know about getting the proper shocks, please post it.
I appreciate your help!

[CarlLaFong]

I believe all MGB shocks, until BL went to the rubber bumpers, are the same. I was a parts man/manager at several British dealerships, but memories have faded, somewhat. The rear shocks are what you need, the fronts are built into the A arm and are unsuitable for a Model A. As I recall, the big Healey rear shocks have longer arms and could be the ticket for the rears on an A

[Floats]

Hi Guys,
The rear Armstrong lever arm dampers are all the same for British cars of the time. EXCEPT the shocks used on hevier cars had larger pistons or valves or whatever inside.
MG Midgets, Healey Sprites, MGS and the smaller dampers and the Big Healeys, TR4, 5 and 6 had the heavier ones. I might be mistaken but as I understand the shock bodies are the same but the inside bores are different.
I have just purchased a pair to fit on my 29 Chevy Phaeton.