4 replies to this topic

[richw911]

We have a mk3 Hornet with hydro subframes my question is are both the front and rear subframes on a hornet the same as a mini?

And can you convert hydro subframes to dry or are the two different?

[Tupers]

Dry frames and hydro frame use all the same mounting point so yes you can bolt a set of dry frames frame the same year Mini straight up.

I know you can definitely convert a front frame from wet to dry buy folding back some locarting tabs inside the towers to allow a cone to sit in. I can't remember what you have to do to a rear frame to make it work though.

[richw911]

Thanks you tuppers

[tiger99]

I think you need to change the rear subframe. You also need to change the radius arms, or at least the stub axles, if you can get them out (need something like a 10 tonne press), because the dry suspension uses conventional dampers, which don't fit to the shorter end of the stub axle used by the pitch control springs on wet models. Check the knuckle joints, I think they are different, but they should always be replaced anyway, as expensive consequences result if the nylon cups wear through.

The rear subframe from any year of Mini will fit, the only significant difference is in the exhaust hanger, for which conversion brackets are readily available. Some later models had softer mounts with larger bushes, if you use the trunnions and bushes from the original subframe they will be the older, stiffer kind, which is good, but either may be used. Front needs to be the original (and best!) solid mounted type, as all wet models needed twin bolt subframes. Don't be confused by the large hole in the bulkhead crossmember for the hydrolastic pipe, it is not the same as that for the bolt in a single bolt subframe, and lacks the vital internal stiffner.

[richw911]

Brilliant many thanks tiger99