19 replies to this topic

[Monkeyzak]

I got some advice on a Facebook mini site but this forum was recommended as very knowledgeable!. I've bought 1998 sports pack so a mini owner again.

The suspension is sagging and I've been advised I need new donuts and advised hi los. Still struggling to see if I would ever adjust them so are they necessary?

I was looking at new shocks too as they look a bit old. Can you recommend a brand. Konis were on it new but they seem really pricy. Are gaz ok. A few folks have said just leave the old shocks on if they move freely. Is that really acceptable?

Any thoughts or advice greatly appreciated.

[hhhh]

Hi-Los allow you to set your ride height which is a big advantage. You may never change it, but it will be where you want it. Freely moving dampers won't necessarily provide any damping force. Take them off and make sure that they offer resistance to movement for their entire travel on extension. If not, they're junk.

[minimans]

New donuts will have the car sitting high until they "Bed jn" the hi-lo;s will allow you to set the height and adjust them as they settle in. Or you can just look like an off roader until they do settle. Dampers are a mine field of what's good and whats bad. Not necessarily anything to do with price! The Koni's are an excellent choice being one of the best around but you will pay a premium, Gaz I would say are good for the price.

[timmy850]

Hi-Lo units can make it easier to get the cones back in as you can wind them shorter and then lengthen them to get the proper ride height. 

 

I've got KYB gas-a-just shocks on mine with new cones from minispares and it's a nice ride

[Northernpower]

I have hi-lo's with Protech shocks. I find them better than the Gaz I replaced.

[wile e coyote]

Doubtless the cones have flattened out if they're still the originals or the poor quality replacements...they're easily visually checked....but being a little optimistic could just be that the ball joint has gone through it's cup....if so relatively easy quick fix....
Hilos / adjustarides a godsend...if only for ease of swapping out components...
As said if the original koni dampers still functional just keep them - they're very good indeed...

[cal844]

I have hi-lo's with Protech shocks. I find them better than the Gaz I replaced.

Protech are better than Gaz

[Monkeyzak]

Thanks.

I'll start working on it hopefully this weekend. Any idea how long per corner for a novice? I've ordered a Leyland workshop manual and Haynes.

If I need shocks, are there specific ones for a sports pack? If I get away with the ones in. Ideal. I did wonder if they have been so compressed for so long as the suspension is so low, then will they be knackered?

I'm so excited to be a mini owner again!!

[mab01uk]

It should be noted that the Sportspack Mini was specified with a higher grade of (Koni) shock absorber by Rover than previous Minis due to the extra weight of the large 13" wheels.

 

Wheels & tyres - Bigger wheel fitment consideration

"The 13-inch combination is a good deal heavier in most instances than the standard set-up so up-rated dampers are an absolute must."

https://www.calverst...-consideration/

Edited by mab01uk, 10 January 2018 - 12:36 PM.

[Northernpower]

Now you've started working on it you're going to end up buying parts. One of the best bits of advice I can give you is to become a TMF+ member. It only costs £5 and among other things it entitles you to various discounts from our supporting suppliers including 7.5% off Minispares. More importantly it also supports the forum as well.

[bae1994]

You might want to order bottom bump stops when you order your cones aswell.

[Monkeyzak]

I thought it might need uprated ones. I think the koni ones are really expensive so will look at alternatives.

[wile e coyote]

Don't forget to buy a cone compressor tool....
Changing cone,damper, ball joint can be done with practice in about half an hour....but set aside the whole day to sort the front if it's your first time... And heave a huge sigh of relief when you come to the back....an hour all in should sort it...
....but... That supposes everything comes apart as it should.....

[Monkeyzak]

Thanks for all the advice. I'll gather the parts together and give it a go. I plan to not hand it to my local garage all the time. I want to do all the work myself.

[minimans]

Use the money you save doing it yourself on quality parts................