The data on this page relates to all Classic Minis unless specified. Major changes to suspension and steering are limited to the introduction of a new steering rack and steering arms for Mk2-on models. Mk2 steering arms have two `ears' to aid in the use of ball joint splitters; this is how they may be differentiated from Mk1 steering arms. Very early Mk1 Minis (to around 1960) were made with 3 inch rims instead of 3.5 inch. The earliest 3 inch rims were made out of very thin steel which was soon thickened by 20 thou. Always use matching steering racks and arms (i.e. all Mk1 or all Mk2-on).
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Classic Mini Suspension, Steering and Handling Data 1959-2000
Question:
Greetings, I have a MK1 I am working on. It was built as a Hydro car and is now a dry car. I am trying to sort out the suspension. It rides too high and is hard on the bump stops. From what I gather there are wet and dry upper radius arms in the front. How can I determine if it has the correct upper radius arms? I have looked at on line pictures and can not tell which I have. Thank you. Spencer. Spencer Restorations
Answer:
The upper arm typically has a part number cast into them. The right side wet arm is a 21A1479, the dry version is 21A2690. If the car is ridding on the bump stop changing the arm will not solve your issue. The metal trumpets to the cones may have been cut- I would suggest to invest in a Hi/Lo conversion kit. The other possibility is that the rubber cones themselves are simply old and collapsed.