MGB: Rear suspension bottoms out on small bumps

My 70 BGT runs great, but it bottoms out on even small bumps and the back end seems low, but its a CB. The shocks have been filled and seem to work OK. I'd like to stop my head and my ass from meeting violently, so any help would be appreciated.
Marc

Interesting-I installed a Moss Rear Shock Kit (Tube Shocks) on my '68 and it bottoms out hard at times. I have wondered if I did something wrong in the install but have gone over it several times and did it step by step as per the Moss instructions.

Mike

Diet ?

:-)

You could try a heavier grade oil in them. Harley Davidson Motorcycle fork oil (no detergents) , 30 or even 40 wt. The latter seems a little harsh. That was from this http://home.comcast.net/~rhodes/shock.html
However I think it's a case of the armstrongs simply not being responsive enough. Brand new ones might be good. These guys have a"better than new" reputation.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MG-MGB-Front-Lever-Shock-Remanufactured-Better-than-New_W0QQitemZ370078661874QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item370078661874&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14
plus new links etc.

These don't bottom out.

http://www.mgbmga.com/tech/mgb13e.htm
I used to be very pro armstrong, unsprung weight etc. However I got the KYB's as a part of the composite rear suspension kit and only fitted them because I had them. I thought the original shocks were fine, however they did bottom out from time to time.
These never do and feel not as harsh, however the light weight springs may be having an effect. This kit is very easy to fit and adjust to perfection because of those lovely upper brackets.
There are other kits around, however be wary of spax, which on their lightest setting have a rep' for being way too hard. I did a search of the net and unlike SPAX, GAZ have no complaints against them. I've got a pair of adjustables that I'm going to try some time.

You might consider slowing down on bumpy roads.

1) check the ride hieght
2) pull the rear dampers and bench test.
look over all the "u" clamps make sure thay are in good shape.

No one mentioning leaf springs???

bingo

springs was my first thought. age? condition? shackles?

if the tops of your wheels are buried up inside the rear fenders, then your speings are about to depart......or already left.

I think the leaf springs are gone. Looks like the wheel is buried in the quarter panel.
Any suggestions on new ones?
Marc

Rear springs are relatively cheap and easy to replace...the problem is getting a good matched set these days, and getting some without too much curve so you sit up like some sort of weird dragster.
I've been running the synthetic cycle fork oil in my shocks for years, (Bel-Ray brand) and wouldn't use anything else. The cure most of the problems in your old shocks. The std shock oil is probably no more than a 10wt in thickness..viscosity, the Bel_ray can be gotten in everything from 5wt up to 50 wt, and being synthetic it won't ruin your shock seals like some of the mineral oil based products will. I use a 30 wt. and yes it's a bit firmer than standard. In nearly 20 years since I cleaned up my old shocks, drained them flushed them out with alcohol, and refilled with 30 wt. Bel-Ray not one drop has leaked out of any of the shocks. Yes the car is used.\
Your friendly motorcycle shop will have this fork oil.

Had the same problem with my roadster.
installed new springs...problem fixed.
of course, the rear end stuck up in the air like a female doggie in heat for about 6 months but it settled down after a while