Today I tried refitting my upper suspension arms to the subframe. I encountered a problem whereby I didn't have room to fit the arm in with the suspension cone in the nylon cup.

I haven't compressed the rubber cone like the manual says - I imagine this is my problem but thought that If I could get the arm out with no hassles I could get it in with none either.

Is there a way I can do this without needing the compression tool? Any advice will be greatly appreciated!!!

I'm guessing no the old rubber cone was easier to get out cause it was old and the weight had compressed it over time.

it is not too difficult to make a cone compressor

some flat thick steel, some threaded rod (nice and strong so good grade) and a couple of nuts to suit the rod was what we used forr mine.

There are two different thread sizes for the rubber cones so be care to select the right thread size. The link below has the thread sizes and lets you know the appropriate dates

http://www.minimania.com/InvDetail.cfm?Item=660330

_________________
---
Roads need more corners
A Deluxe(CG13DE), 2 Clubbies(998 and 1275) and 2 Morris 1100Ss

If i were you, i`d simply buy a set of "Hi-Los",,,these are simply adjustable struts,,,well worth the $ & easy to fit & then you can adjust your ride heights to being nice & even all round.

& BTW, i fit the whole std un-adjustable system """without""" the cone compressor,,,it is a bit difficult, but very do-able,,,done it many many times, BUT!!! i`ve seen guys usine the cone compressor smash/squash their fingers when the thread strips out rather suddenly

OUCH!!!

Buy the Hi-Los & be done with it,,, easy-peasy...& Piece of cake,,,you won`t regret it,,,imagine fitting all your stuff in there & the car sits on an angle,,,or subsides & lists to one side after a little while driving it,,,yeah, YUK!!!,,,Oh that`s right, you were really smart & fitted Hi-Los,,ha ha,,,easy,,, you can simply adjust it easy-peasy ,,,Yeah????

be smart

_________________
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.

LOL mini man your the best!

_________________
Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

Yea I have considered the high low option, where are the best ones/place to buy them from?