5 replies to this topic

[cowboy_jim]

hi, i have had 3 minis but have never had one old enough to have hydroelastic suspension or drums up front, im looking to buy a 1972 998 clubman, but then want to put something more interesting under the bonnet. in which case id also want to change the suspension and front brakes. to uprate the suspension id rather switch to dry cones or maybe coilovers. with dry cones would i have to swap the subframes? if i do then what about coilovers? still a subframe swap? also i would want to stay with 10" wheels is that a big task to swich to cooper s disks?
cheers, james

[dklawson]

I'm not completely familiar with all the steps involved in the swap. However, the seats for the cone and hydro bags are different at least on the rear subframe. I've heard of ways to modify a wet subframe to run cones but don't know the details. I think (but don't quote me on this) that the radius arms for the rear suspension are also different between wet and dry suspensions.

Since you should have a lot more used subframes over in the U.K. than I do here, I'd think replacing the subframes and the rear arms would be the ticket. As for the coil overs, I don't know enough about their purpose to comment on them.

[cowboy_jim]

I'm not completely familiar with all the steps involved in the swap. However, the seats for the cone and hydro bags are different at least on the rear subframe. I've heard of ways to modify a wet subframe to run cones but don't know the details. I think (but don't quote me on this) that the radius arms for the rear suspension are also different between wet and dry suspensions.

Since you should have a lot more used subframes over in the U.K. than I do here, I'd think replacing the subframes and the rear arms would be the ticket. As for the coil overs, I don't know enough about their purpose to comment on them.

cheers for the help, do you know if it is a straight swap between wet and dry subframes?

[cowboy]

if your going to swap the susspension, why not go for a beam rear axle.


changing the front brakes is a simple swap for 7.5 disc's if you still want to use 10 inch wheels


not sure on the front subframe

[cowboy_jim]

i was thinking of a beam axle if i swap to coilovers, im guessing the front would be quite easy to swap to coils if there is not too much difference between the wet and dry front subframes. and i have always wanted coilovers. lol the gf wont be pleased to know what im gonna do to this car as it was hers and she is into standard minis.

[chairchild]

well - i wouldn't mind swapping your wet subframes, for my dry ones :wink:


always wanted hydrolastic suspension!