MG Metal Works DIY kit knowledge share

[mgmetalworks]

You can clearance the spring keeper strap to get it to wrap around enough. It doesn't take much in my experience.




The way I've done the trac bar is leave it unattached on the frame end until you're all done, set the van down on it's weight and let it settle to ride height. Measure that the axle is centered and then adjust to fit.

For the drag link... a good starting point is 44 3/8" center to center.

[skumancer]

Originally Posted by mgmetalworks

You can clearance the spring keeper strap to get it to wrap around enough. It doesn't take much in my experience.

The way I've done the trac bar is leave it unattached on the frame end until you're all done, set the van down on it's weight and let it settle to ride height. Measure that the axle is centered and then adjust to fit.

For the drag link... a good starting point is 44 3/8" center to center.

How do you center the axle once the van is settled on it? Ratchet Straps? Pushing? Do you measure to the frame or to the body?

I'll try making some clearance on the keeper, thanks!

[Kibo]

Originally Posted by skumancer

How would you tighten the spring keeper bolt then? I can't get a ratchet, let a lone a socket in there.

The spring keeper bolt is easily accessed on the outside of the top perch. Do you mean the bolt on the lower spring perch instead?

For the lower spring perch, I believe I used a ratcheting combination wrench--but to be honest, it was two years ago so I'm not certain. It must not have been terribly challenging, as I didn't take any pics.

[Lilnuts2]

Can you rotate your spring a 1/4 turn? That might help with your retainer problem

[skumancer]

I’ll have to try unbolting the bottom bolt on the spring perch to rotate the spring, but that may work. The only problem is I gotta figure out how to do this because I have no access from the top anymore.

[Mikerson]

Originally Posted by Kibo

For the lower spring perch, I believe I used a ratcheting combination wrench

I think this is your best bet and how I got it tight too.

[mgmetalworks]

I drop a socket down through the hole in the top of the spring bucket then use a breaker bar. Just enough room between the coils to get a good bite at that lower bolt.

[skumancer]

Brilliant!

I had to go outside and test it out, works like a charm!

[skumancer]

Can someone confirm I’ve got the right brake lines? I swear I searched and bought the item right number, but now the box has a different number and I of course freaked out and have been looking for the right ones for two days, with nothing to show for…





I saw this picture somewhere and it seems like that should be the right line, the one that goes through the stock brake line holder on the E-series…but I cannot find that item anywhere.

[mgmetalworks]

Don't worry about using the hole in the spring bucket. This is an example of how a lot of others have done brake lines...



Note... The bigger bracket in the middle of the line is not used so carefully remove it and discard (I haven't ever used it...always seemed to be more in the way than not so I just discard it. The pic you posted obviously has the bracket in there...if you do it this way, just make sure you have the slack in the line through the whole suspension/steering travel). The brackets on the ends of the lines need to swap left/right in order to be in the correct orientation. Then drill/tap a hole in the frame for the bracket to mount. Brake lines are pretty pliable but don't try to bend too quickly or sharply.