Hi my mini appears to have started to sag a little in the front end. I was looking at re doing all of my suspension but should I go to something a bit more modern with springs etc or stick with the old donuts?

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Regards Kermit (TadPole)

You may not need to replace the donuts; in fact often there is wear in the knuckle joint and/or it's associated cup. It's also possible to put washers in between the knuckle joint and the suspension trumpet to reclaim some lost height.

http://www.minispares.com/product/Class ... 0to%20shop

This link is to the cup only, but it may be wise to get the knuckle joint assembly complete.

You will need a suspension cone compressor tool to get access to this job, whatever remedy you decide upon.

Matt

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'68 Deluxe w/Metro engine

Hi thanks for the reply, The car is going in to get the last of what it needs for it's rwc done soon so ill probably get them to check the suspension again any way but i just though I'd look in to upgrading it to see if there were any advantages

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Regards Kermit (TadPole)

Springs are a bit expensive for the result in a road car. For the same money you'd get hilos and new shockers all round - a much better result for the dollar.

you don't need a suspension cone compressor tool.

all you do is undo the top arm pull it down & it gives you heaps of room to pop the cone out..

no need for the tool.

what's the difference with hilos? im not sure what they are but do they give a better ride? Cos this car will be my daily and i have a bad back so anything will help lol

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Regards Kermit (TadPole)

Hi lo's just raise and drop the ride height. It doesn't affect the actual suspension travel or dampening.

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88 Rover 1.3i "Reggie"
99 Rover 1.3i “Grover”
12 Mini Cooper S "The shitter"
17 Mini Clubman JCW “Noddy”

was looking at these http://www.minisport.com.au/prod2059.htm

and these http://www.minisport.com.au/prod3.htm

any good?

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Regards Kermit (TadPole)

If you have a bad back, you may need to look at changing your seats (like Frednutz did with the honda seats in his van, and his bad back). My minis can be used on a daily basis, the rover with the donuts is ok, but the matic with the hydro is a much smoother ride. It just doesn't like the speed bumps as much. If I were you, I'd start with the seat, and perhaps then look at the "smootharide" donuts, there seems to be a lot of good things said about them. Just some smaller things without blowing out the budget. Just my 2c

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88 Rover 1.3i "Reggie"
99 Rover 1.3i “Grover”
12 Mini Cooper S "The shitter"
17 Mini Clubman JCW “Noddy”

Nah thanks for your 2c as My budget to get this on the road is small so the cheaper the better but at the same time i wanna do it right. I'll have a look in to the smootha ride donuts thanks

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Regards Kermit (TadPole)

If you lived near Brisbane

I would take you for a spin in my mini

Minitastic springs are the way forward..

Springs crap all over cones, I have converted both
My minis & never looked back.

Ones 110 atw swift g13B mini
The other a 1275 with about 60atw

Both fantastic! Bit to spend but worth it for a Dailey.

My dad want to do it on his cooper the ride is that good.

New cones, do give a nicer ride though

The price isn't that bad for the upgrade and i'd be happy to spend the money if i get a more comfortable ride out of it. I went and sat in my seats that i have now and they are really comfortable so I don't think the seats will be an issue. I won't know i guess till i start driving it. Can not wait till it's on the road for the first time since i've owned it

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Regards Kermit (TadPole)

The shape & diameter & radius of the suspension trumpet (or hi-lo) directly effects the spring rate of the rubber donut

so ,,, yes the trumpet or hi-lo "CAN" make your car stiffer or softer depending on the shape/radius/diameter of the trumpet/hi-lo

the soft-road coil springs are probably the softest ride you will get tho... but you will sacrifice the handling/cornering because of it

if your back is as bad as mine (or worse) then get good quality seats & soft road coil springs ,,,

or otherwise you can use small diameter, sharp radii hi-los---> (similar result)

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No offence intended here but--> anyone writing a book about minis 30 years ago may not have experienced such worn or stuffed-with components as we are finding these days.

You should put your heart & soul into everything you do.