The lower arm assembly is the foundation of the MGC's torsion bar front suspension. Each side uses a rear arm bush, securing bolts with nyloc nuts and spring washers, and a lower arm outer bush at the swivel pin connection. Inner fulcrum bushes locate the lower arm pivot points, with a range of pivot bracket shims in three thicknesses (0.120-inch, 0.064-inch, and 0.036-inch) for precise geometry adjustment. These shims are critical for correct castor and camber settings and should be carefully preserved and catalogued during dismantling.
Top Arm and Link Assembly
The top arm pivots use four dedicated bushes with inner and outer washers, secured by spring washers and slotted nuts. Top link pins with bushes and slotted nuts connect the upper structure to the swivel assembly. Lock plates secure the pivot bracket studs and bolts.
Torsion Bars and Vernier Adjustment
The torsion bars are the primary spring medium for the front suspension, replacing the coil springs used on the MGB. Ride height is set using a vernier adjustment system comprising a vernier lever, vernier block and plate secured by bolts with spring washers and nuts, and a vernier adjusting bolt with lock nut.
This allows precise height adjustment without removing any suspension components, a significant advantage during setup and alignment. Correct torsion bar adjustment is essential for proper ride height, steering geometry, and even tyre wear.
Telescopic Dampers
Standard telescopic shock absorbers are fitted to all MGCs, unlike the MGB which uses lever arm units. The dampers use upper and lower bushes, with pins, split collars, and distance tubes at the lower mounting. Upgraded Spax gas-filled units with fourteen-point instant adjustment from soft to hard, and Gaz gas-filled units with thirty-two settings for finer control, are available as direct-fit replacements supplied in pairs.
Anti-Roll Bar
The standard front anti-roll bar is secured by two mounting bushes with straps to the body, connected to the lower suspension arms by two link assemblies. Upper and lower stop kits limit anti-roll bar travel. Mounting bushes, link bushes, and all associated fixings are available individually. Deteriorated anti-roll bar bushes cause imprecise handling and increased body roll, and should be replaced promptly.
Tie Bars
Front suspension tie bars connect between the lower arms and the crossmember via dedicated bolts and nyloc nuts with spring washers. Each tie bar uses four bushes and two retainers. Worn tie bar bushes allow the front suspension geometry to shift under braking and acceleration, causing vague steering and inconsistent handling, they are a frequently overlooked service item.
Bump Stops
Rubber bump stops are fitted to each side to limit suspension travel, preventing metal-to-metal contact at full compression. Each bump stop is secured by two screws with spring washers.