Trunion vs. Ball Joint IFS

[CTX-SLPR]

Howdy folks,

Been following Dan's MGB build and it's trunion style IFS has me wondering why cars has moved away from this style?

Been wanting to bring a Hindustan Ambassador back from India and convert it to LHD and make all the Indian students on campus wonder WTC is going on. It's definitely a few years out but since it's basically a Morris Oxford built into the 2000's it still has this style of front suspension. While driving on American highways will take more than 75hp, the wheel and tires availability seems like the only reason to not just get a rack with an input on the otherside and use the rest as is.

[DanStokes]

Not quite the same as the B but certainly along the same lines. I wonder if an MGB or maybe Morris Minor LHD rack & pinion would work. The Morris Minor was imported in some numbers so parts might be available. I don't think the Oxford was imported but have no clue if they were sold on the continent where LHD would have been required.

As far as the trunnion steering, my guess is expense. There's a fair bit of casting, machining, etc. required to build the trunnion as opposed to a couple of mass-produced ball joints and a stamped UCA but of course I'm guessing on that. Also, the MG style front suspension has limited adjustment with the fixed upper A-arm/shock assembly but if the geometry was set up properly during the design phase there's also less to get out of wack. Plusses and minuses.

[dave.g.in.gansevoort]

Can't tell from the picture, and never saw one of these, so a question first: is the steering rack behind the "axle" centerline? If it is you might check out Austin Mini steering racks, as they mount behind the "axle" centerline. If the widths match up or are very close for the inner pivot point of the tie rods, one of the left hand drive racks might be just what you need.

Conversely, if it is front of the "axle " centerline, a right hand drive Mini rack might be just the ticket, flipped around right to left. It wouldn't surprise me at all if the basic parts are essentially the same, as the Mini was built to a very tight cost point, using a lot of components from other Austin and Morris vehicles.

[CTX-SLPR]

Rack is behind the kingpins mounted to the firewall (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/long-...ogress-15.html)

Wife and I started talking about arranging a ride in one while we are in India this summer so that's cool. It actually on paper isn't too shabby for my American sized frame and it's pretty light, 2500lbs. Also found it has the same wheel bolt pattern as the Riviera... can you imagine one rolling on 15in Buick Road Wheels?!?