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MG MGA - Front Shocks

I rebuilt my MGA just a few years ago. The front shocks I had with it seemed OK, but were shot within a couple of months of starting to drive it. I bought a pair of reconditioned ones from a well-recommended specialist, but one of these is now leaking and the front of the car is starting to wallow again, this after just three years and less than 3000 miles. I'm wondering what to do next and asking for advice, as this is starting to look expensive.

Option 1 appears to be to buy another set of reconditioned ones.

Option 2 seems to be to buy a pair of new ones from Moss. Are these the same as MGA shocks, or something similar that happens to share the cricial dimensions?

Option 3, if it is possible, is to fit MGB shocks, which I think I heard will fit. Do they? And, if they do, is it necessary to draw the fixing studs on the chassis and use bolts instead, and why?

Could any recent sufferer suggest how I proceed? (by the way, I'm reasonably keen on originality, and I won't want to try coil-over shocks)
C Gander

Options #2 and 3 are definently doable and would serve you all right. It is possible to fit MGB shocks but an almost complete suspension re-engineering would be necessary.
I have had very good results with a company here in the US called Apple Hydraulics. They rebuild all types of lever or "knee action" shocks. They offer a choice or regular or heavy duty for the MGA on exchange with a core charge until you send them your old ones back.
I just replaced a pair I got from them -after 20 years and @80,000 miles. They have a website-you cam locate them on Google.
I have had nothing but good seervice from them
John
John

To answer the question of why when you fit MGB shocks do you replace the studs with bolts. It is simply that the MGB shocks are taller and thus the inner wing prevents you from lowering the new shock onto the studs. With the studs removed the shock can slide into place and then be bolted up.
Bob (robert)

The distance between the arms at the links of the B shock is larger. So you either have to fit B kingpins or place hardened shims on either side of the links to make up the distance.
The stud hole pattern of the B shocks are also a bit different so either the hole have to be egged out or different fasteners used as Bob refers to
John
John

As lesson I've learned... If you go the exchange cores for reconditioned units route, what you may receive as reconditioned shocks for the cores you submit may not be up to the quality of your cores. If you know your cores are good rebuildable units, accept the extra down time and wait for the rebuilder to return your rebuilt original cores. -M.S.
Martin Straka

Check the archives for "Worldwide". They rebuild the shocks and re-engineer the seals for improved reliability. LOTS of good comments on them. I have them on my A and NO problems.

Service is good and staff is very helpful.

FWIW

Larry
58A
Larry Hallanger

If you're going the rebuilt route I second Larry's motion for Worldwide. Also, as Martin suggests, I sent them my old shocks and waited for their return. They even reused the original screws and left the bodies unpainted at my request. The shocks looked and worked great. I'm a happy man!
GTF
G T Foster

Other than the dimensional differences, MGB shocks are of the same design and construction as MGA shocks. As such, they are prone to the same problems and offer no real advantage.
Bill Boorse

I would definitely join the group that says to go with Worldside Auto Parts of Madison http://www.mailbag.com/users/nosimport/
They rebuilt the shocks on our MGB and after about a year one of the shocks started to leak on a trip to California. I called Peter and told him of the problem. Without an seconds worth of hesitation, he told me that a new, reconditioned shock would be on our door step when we got home so I could just swap it out and send the leaking one back. Good to his word, the new shock was waiting for us when we got home. I will continue to send my shocks to them from now on. Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

This thread was discussed between 04/11/2004 and 06/11/2004

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.