Classic Mini suspension cone (spring) standard

One of the greatest innovations in the design of the Mini was its rubber cone suspension. The compact design & lasting quality of the rubber cone helped make the Mini what it is today. Designed in the late '50s it was ahead of its time - the only problem is that many of us are still driving around on cones that could have been built in the early '60's. The design is good, but not everlasting! The rubber not only get very hard but it also sags and loses its ability to hold the car upright. It is not uncommon to have a cone sag so badly that it lowers the car 2 or 3 inches and it handles terribly! These should be replaced every 5-7 years depending on use and climate. Measured at the wheel, the spring rates at the static load position are 118 lb/in at the front and 98 lb/in at the rear. With three passengers and 50 lb of luggage, the loads per wheel at the same position are respectively 468 lb and 355 lb. These loads rise to 1,050 lb and 670 lb at full bump and fall to 240 lb and 100 lb when the rebound check is in operation. Early cones were SAE (UNF 1/2x20), all current cones now have metric threads (14mmX2)