This kit derives directly from the suspension development work carried out for the 2008 MG TF 85th Anniversary limited edition, the most thoroughly developed chassis specification applied to any production MGF or MG TF. The 85th Anniversary was built on the MG TF 135 mechanical package but received uprated Bilstein dampers, thicker Eibach front and rear anti-roll bars with revised drop links, and a lowered ride height. Enthusiast feedback consistently rates the 85th Anniversary as the best-handling MG TF produced. This kit provides the anti-roll bar element of that specification for fitting to any MG TF, designed by former MG Rover suspension engineers working with Eibach as the bar manufacturer.
What the Kit Contains
The kit is a complete anti-roll bar replacement covering front bar, rear bar, matching drop links, mounting bushes, clamp brackets, and the front drop link strengthening bracket that the 85th Anniversary specification requires. The front anti-roll bar increases from the standard 20mm diameter to the 85th Anniversary's thicker specification, substantially increasing front roll stiffness. The rear bar is similarly uprated. The drop links are a different design from the 2002 to 2005 MG TF items, using an unhanded specification that matches the updated bar ends.
The front drop link mounting area requires a strengthening bracket to handle the higher loads imposed by the thicker bar, this bracket is included in the kit and must be fitted as part of installation. Fitting the thicker bar without the reinforcement bracket risks distortion of the mounting area over time.
Dynamic Improvement
The combined front and rear uprated specification produces approximately a 45% increase in overall roll stiffness compared to the standard MG TF, a substantial change. The effect on the car's behaviour includes reduced body roll during cornering, sharper initial turn-in response, more consistent handling balance through the mid-corner phase, and, most significantly, a change in behaviour at the grip limit from abrupt correction to progressive, manageable slide. This last point is particularly valuable: the 85th Anniversary was specifically developed to make the MG TF more approachable at the limit, and this kit delivers that dynamic improvement to any MG TF.
Fitment and Compatibility
The kit fits all MG TFs with coil-spring suspension, MG TF 115, 120, 135, and 160, including pre-2005 MG TFs, 2005-onwards MG TFs, LE500s, and NAC/SAIC-era cars. It is not suitable for the MGF, which uses a different subframe and suspension architecture with its own anti-roll bar specifications. Installation is straightforward for anyone familiar with working under an MG TF. The bars and links are direct replacements for the standard items, and no modification to the subframe or suspension arms is required beyond fitting the included strengthening bracket.
The kit works well with both the standard twin-tube dampers and aftermarket mono-tube dampers such as the Bilstein Comfort Handling Pack or Spax adjustable units. Many owners fit this kit at the same time as a complete damper upgrade for a coherent chassis specification change.
Alignment After Installation
Any substantial suspension modification should be followed by a four-wheel alignment check, the revised roll stiffness can marginally affect static toe and camber readings due to the changed compliance characteristics, and alignment within specification ensures the dynamic benefits of the kit are fully realised without any unintended tyre-wear consequences.