8 replies to this topic

[998dave]

Hey guys,

I need to know if there are different length trumpets and/or knuckles available for mini's.

Well, I say need to know, I have two different knuckles, one with a built in part to make it a few mm longer, presumably increasing ride height to match, anyone know why these exist or what the point was?

I'd think to increase spacing to the arch, maybe for the 13" wheels? or are they to take up wear on other parts?

Just thought I'd ask, so if anyone has any ideas?

Dave

[Grayedout]

I believe Estates and maybe Vans originally had longer trumpets but not sure if they are still sold as such !

[edi57]

Knuckles with the built in spacer were fitted to Minis from 1990 onwards for extra clearance.

As far as I'm aware all trumpets were the same standard length.

Ed.

[Retro_10s]

I have been lead to believe that Pick-ups had slightly longer rear cones to Give the Load bay a bit of extra height. The validity of this i cannot confirm.

[998dave]

Knuckles with the built in spacer were fitted to Minis from 1990 onwards for extra clearance.

As far as I'm aware all trumpets were the same standard length.

Ed.

Hey guys,

This is what I found, once I'd managed to drift the knuckle out, the shoulder that sits on the top of the trumpet is about 5mm longer then a standard one.

I've put the correct one's back in my mini, and repaired all the mountings, sits much better now.

Back to the last couple of bits of welding tomorrow, but even that appears to be going well...

Dave

[littlebluemonster2]

DAVE,
WONDER IF YOUR EXPERIENCE CAN HELP ME. I HAVE SPENT THE LAST 8 MONTHS REBUILDING MY MINI AND HAVE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS CONSIDERABLY LOWER ON ONE SIDE. AFTER BEATING MY SELF UP AS TO WETHER I HAD FITTED A PANEL WRONG I SAW SENSE AND THOUGHT IT MAY BE THE KNUCKLE AS I HAVE READ THAT THIS CAUSES THE SUSPENSION TO DROP. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TOP OF MY FRONT TYRE AND THE ARCH IS DIFFERENT ON BOTH SIDES BY 40 MM!!!
CAN YOU E-MAIL ME SOME PICS OF THE JOB YOU DID OR EVEN TELL ME HOW TO DO IT AS I FEAR MY MINI MAY HAVE DIFFERENT ONES ON AS YOURS HAD. EVERYTHING ELSE I HAVE LOOKED AT ON MY CAR HAS BEEN BODGED SO THAT MAY HAVE BEEN TOO. ONLY RAN IT FOR 4 MONTHS BEFORE STRIPPING IT DOWN.....STILL OFF THE ROAD NOW, BUT GETTING THERE. CAN MAIL YOU SOME PHOTOS IF IT HELPS
REGARDS
CHRIS

[Dan]

The front suspension ratio is 3:1. The extra 5mm of the spacer knuckle can only possibly add 15mm extra height to the car. It is possible to use the earlier knuckle spacer washer with the later spacered knuckle but that will still only give an extra 30mm of height. It is not sensible to go any further with spacing the knuckle as it becomes unstable in the end of the trumpet. In your case Chris, I think you'll find you need new springs on the front. A collapsed cone spring is usually the cause of severly unequal ride height. You must replace cones in pairs.

There is some information here about the spacer knuckles, I know because I wrote it.

[rozzer1275]

correct me if i'm wrong but i always seem to find the spacer knuckles are at the front not the back, agreed the front rubber cones probably colapsed, maybe the plastic cap for the knuckle,

[Dan]

Yes they should only be used at the front, and are only fitted at the front as standard.