swivel axle pricing

Has anyone installed the swivel (stub axle) assys. from the MGOC? Looking around, I see prices ranging from $350 to $500 (after core refund) for a pair of reamed and fully assembled units here in the states. MGOC pricing seems to be as little as $164 (at the current exchange rate) for a standard pair and $266 for those sporting a bearing at the top. Even with shipping, it seems like the MGOC items are a good deal. Anyone vouch for the quality? Thanks.

Terry S.

dont know about that company, but I did pay approx $300 for mine at the local mechanic who works on B's and I already had purchased the new king pin set for him

Mechspec MG Centre from the UK has a good deal on them, with no core charge!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MG-MGB-Swivel-Axles-Kingpins-King-Pins-Pair-Rebuilt_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ42609QQihZ016QQitemZ260144515868

peace, Kyle

Jerry has used the units from the MGOC. As I recall, he got the units that have the roller bearings in them. He tells us that they are good quality.

I was looking at them, but with the exchange rate, they are killer expensive. I still need a set, but I may have to try someone stateside.

Hope this helps.

Just make sure you consider core charges and shipping in your calculations.

mgb65 Wrote:

they are heavy, but the shipping costs are not that pricey when you consider the listed price is discounted 17% (tax not paid) and that can be rolled into shipping...
It would be wise to contact Andrew Hooper for the full price it may be a good one.
Remember some of the great new stuff we use on our cars is not available here yet but only in the UK.

Thanks James.

Terry,
Some vendors provide these with more or less parts than others such as upper and/or lower trunion setup. Ensure your apples to apples...

I rebuilt mine last time; next time I'll probably just buy the rebuilts. After the machine shop work I didn't save that much.

Having done quite a few, I can't imagine selling a pair for $164 AND them being even close to a good rebuild. Also, you need to see what is included with them. At the MGOC's price, I would bet they don't include the upper or lower trunnion kits, nor wishbone bushings. I know Mechspec's swivels don't. Just because something comes from England does not mean its the best you can get; shocks are one example.

The swivel axles are the heart of your MGB's front suspension, you shouldn't cheap out on them.

Wade, It is great to know that a board member is doing swivel axles! Are you doing any other component rebuilds? I don't have a set yet to do, but 2 sets are coming up. How do you charge?

Many thanks!

Hi Jimmy, I do swivels, brake calipers w/ SS pistons or the black ones (not encouraged), rear backplates that have everything attached and ready to mount to the car, SUs ;), Diffs - but those are hard since there are fewer and fewer shims available - not to mention they almost never need much, engines, bodies, etc....

I do general service, but most of my work right now is restoration. And being MGs, that means mostly rust repair and bodywork.

My swivels are $325 per pair. That includes the hardware and bushes for the upper and lower trunnions, as well as the wishbone arms. There's also a $100 core charge if you want to do an exchange set. There's a core charge because I'm trying harder to put cars back on the road than to cut them up.

Safety Fast, Wade

Thanks Wade, when I get around to swivel axles and calipers I will sure send them your way!

Gordon at the Bhive sells swivel axles. I got one from him and it was really nicely done. I think they are $395 plus a $100 core. But the come with all the bits you need to replace all the bushings etc.

http://bhive.tierranet.com/200MGBFRONTsuspensionkits.html#Swivel Axle Set


Rich

Thanks for all the input folks. Very helpful. Quality is foremost, price (within reason) is a secondary consideration when it comes to major mechanicals.

Wade, if I understand your answer to Jimmy correctly, that's $425 outright or $325 with re-buildable cores?

Thanks again. Hope to tackle this winter.

Terry S.

trs Wrote:

I try to be hands on with my B', but I'm not that confident about rebuilding a front suspension piece as critical as the stub axle. I would rather pony up the dollars and drive with confidence. When the time comes, I think I'll give Wade a shout.

trs Wrote:

Wade Keene Wrote:

Mac,
I'm sorry but I don't really understand your question. $325 includes all the parts and labor, and the swivel axles are ready to bolt up. AND (not OR) what is generally sold as the "major suspension kit" is the basis for the parts supplied, and I assemble the swivels. In other words, for $325 plus shipping, plus a $100 core charge if I'm not rebuilding a set you send, I supply 2 correctly rebuilt swivel axle assemblies, upper trunnion hardware and stock bushes, lower trunnion hardware and seals (distance tube, bolts, etc.), and the V8 wishbone bushes and the fasteners for the wishbones.

As James mentioned, I used the rebuilds from The B-Hive and am very happy with them. Having said that, Wade does seem to offer a very good deal and I trust he does a good job too.

I do have access to a reamer (our club has one - are you listening Marc?), but the hassle of dismantling, pressing in bushings and reaming - and hoping it is correct, is not worth it. The rebuilt units are "plug and play"!

Watford Classics for 50 quid outright inc VAT ($100)
http://www.mgbandmidget.com
Look under new parts and suspension.
Regards
Tony

How much does a stub axle way, I might bring some back with me on my next trip to the UK?
Tony

Apologies for the spelling mistake, I meant
How much does a stub axle weigh?