The MGB GT V8 front suspension is an independent layout with upper and lower wishbones, coil springs, lever-arm dampers acting as the upper link, kingpin and stub-axle assemblies at each side, and an anti-roll bar across the front. The geometry and major components are shared with the contemporary MGB GT, with the V8 differences concentrated in the front crossmember and the spring rates.
V8-Specific Front Crossmember
The V8 front crossmember is a unique pressing that provides clearance for the wider Rover V8 engine and raises the car by approximately 0.5 inch compared with the four-cylinder MGB crossmember. The raised ride height was a side benefit of the modification, providing slightly improved ground clearance. The V8 crossmember was adopted on the four-cylinder MGB from the start of rubber-bumper production in late 1974, so MGB rubber-bumper four-cylinder cars share the V8 crossmember design.
Coil Springs
Front coil springs on the V8 are uprated from the standard MGB GT specification to handle the additional weight of the V8 engine. The springs work in compression between the lower wishbone and a spring pan in the chassis. Springs settle over time and tired front springs result in reduced ride height and altered camber geometry; renewal at major service intervals or when settling becomes obvious is good practice.
Lever-Arm Dampers
Lever-arm dampers fit at the upper position, doubling as the upper wishbone link. The damper body bolts to the chassis with the lever arm extending downwards to a connection at the upper end of the kingpin assembly. The dampers control vertical wheel movement and provide the upper suspension geometry. Lever-arm dampers are filled with hydraulic fluid and rely on internal valving for damping action; rebuild or replacement is needed when damping deteriorates.
Kingpin and Stub-Axle Assemblies
The kingpin assembly carries the front hub and brake disc assembly at each side, providing the steering pivot axis between the upper damper-arm connection and the lower wishbone outer end. Kingpins, bushes and trunnions are wear items renewed during major front suspension work.
Anti-Roll Bar
The factory anti-roll bar reduces body roll in cornering, connecting the two front lower wishbones via drop links and rubber-isolated mounts on the chassis. The V8 anti-roll bar specification matches the chrome-bumper MGB GT in original specification.
MGOC Spares
MGOC Spares supplies V8-specific front crossmembers, coil springs, wishbones, lever-arm dampers, kingpin assemblies, anti-roll bars and all associated front suspension components for the MGB GT V8.