Product Description
MG TF Factory Soft Ride Suspension Kit - New - RP1746 - OEM
Brand New OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture) specification "Soft Ride" Suspension Kit. Suitable for MG TF.
Manufactured in bulk exclusively for Rimmer Bros by the original manufacturer offering great value for owners!
Originally offered as an option on UK cars towards the end of production, these were factory fit on MG Motor models and specifically designed to improve the ride quality without adversely affecting the handling of the vehicle.
Installation of this kit results in a more supple drive, eliminating the undesirable harsh suspension characteristics of the standard suspension whilst maintaining that sports car feel. Ideal for those owners who do not use their vehicles on a race track every day!
The kit contains 4 OEM complete suspension strut assembly's specifically designed to transform the characteristic harsh ride to a more comfortable ride whilst still maintaining that sports car feel. The kit also includes 4 uprated lower mounting bolts to eliminate the shortcomings of the original Rover bolt.
Rimmer Bros has invested heavily to bring these OEM kits back into the market and has had them manufactured exclusively at a price that offers exceptional value for money.
These were offered as an original factory option for MG TF, LE500 and 135PS models but can be fitted to any MG TF. The kit marginally improves ride height too, making speed bumps less of a concern to negotiate.
The dampers feature the all important and expensive lower mounting spherical bearing. This allows the damper to pivot around the bolt centre thus reducing the load placed on the single mounting bolt.
Kit also features 4 x uprated, lower damper bolts. These are hot forged and ground to a specific size eliminating any unwanted play between the bolt and the rose joint.
Why not compliment this kit by fitting a polyurethane suspension bush kit too! See part number RP1048TF or RP1048TFPB.
Can be fitted to all MGTF models. Note, if installing on MG Motor models (2007-2011) the bolts will not be utilised.
Rimmer Bros also recommend you replace the following items as a matter of course:
RNF100090 x 8 (insulator rubbers) or upgrade to Genuine Polybush RNF100090APBO x 1
NY210041 x 4 (top nut)
Testimonial:
"There are a lot of things I like about my MG TF but the harsh ride was never one of them. The Soft Ride Kit from Rimmer Bros has transformed that! I can now enjoy a drive out without the creaking, thumping and harshness of the standard suspension. The kit has also reduced road noise and gives a much more comfortable ride whilst still keeping the all-important sports car feel. I would recommend the Soft Ride Kit to all TF owners!"
Jon- TF owner
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly makes this kit 'softer' than the original suspension?
The kit delivers approximately 30% softer dampening characteristics through carefully engineered spring rates and valve settings. This was achieved through extensive development by MG Rover's original engineering team to address customer feedback about the TF's firm ride.
Will fitting this kit affect my TF's handling capabilities?
No, the beauty of this kit is in its balanced engineering. While providing a more compliant ride, it maintains the TF's characteristic handling precision. You'll notice the difference most over poor surfaces, where the car feels more settled without compromising cornering ability.
I'm hearing creaking noises from my current suspension. Will this kit resolve that?
Yes. The kit includes upgraded spherical bearings and specifically engineered mounting bolts that eliminate the common causes of suspension noise. The complete assembly replacement approach ensures all potential noise sources are addressed simultaneously.
How does the ride height compare to the standard?
The kit provides a marginal increase in ride height - typically 8-10mm. This might seem subtle, but it makes a noticeable difference when navigating speed bumps and steep driveways, addressing a common criticism of the original setup.
Is this suitable for both regular and performance TF variants?
Indeed. The kit was engineered to be compatible with all TF variants, from the standard 115 through to the 160. The suspension characteristics are optimised to work with the entire model range.
What makes this different from other aftermarket solutions?
This is the actual factory-developed solution manufactured by the original OEM supplier. It's not an interpretation or copy - it's the genuine article, including several engineering improvements over the standard setup that MG Rover's own engineers developed.
My TF is my daily driver. Is this kit suitable for regular use?
Absolutely. In fact, this kit was specifically developed to make the TF more suitable for daily use. The softer ride characteristics make urban driving more comfortable while maintaining the car's sporting character for when you want to enjoy it.
Are there any maintenance considerations I should be aware of?
The kit uses high-quality components that should provide excellent service life. However, as with any suspension system, regular inspection of bushes and mountings is recommended. The upgraded components actually tend to require less maintenance than the original items.
Will I need any special tools or expertise for installation?
While the kit is designed to fit directly in place of the original components, we recommend professional installation. Spring compression and correct torque settings are critical for both safety and performance.
I'm concerned about authenticity - will this affect my car's originality?
This kit represents a factory-developed upgrade rather than a modification. It's effectively what MG Rover would have fitted if they'd had more development time before the TF's launch. It's entirely in keeping with the car's original character and engineering philosophy.
What exactly makes this kit 'softer' than the original suspension?
The kit delivers approximately 30% softer dampening characteristics through carefully engineered spring rates and valve settings. This was achieved through extensive development by MG Rover's original engineering team to address customer feedback about the TF's firm ride.
Will fitting this kit affect my TF's handling capabilities?
No, the beauty of this kit is in its balanced engineering. While providing a more compliant ride, it maintains the TF's characteristic handling precision. You'll notice the difference most over poor surfaces, where the car feels more settled without compromising cornering ability.
I'm hearing creaking noises from my current suspension. Will this kit resolve that?
Yes. The kit includes upgraded spherical bearings and specifically engineered mounting bolts that eliminate the common causes of suspension noise. The complete assembly replacement approach ensures all potential noise sources are addressed simultaneously.
How does the ride height compare to the standard?
The kit provides a marginal increase in ride height - typically 8-10mm. This might seem subtle, but it makes a noticeable difference when navigating speed bumps and steep driveways, addressing a common criticism of the original setup.
Is this suitable for both regular and performance TF variants?
Indeed. The kit was engineered to be compatible with all TF variants, from the standard 115 through to the 160. The suspension characteristics are optimised to work with the entire model range.
What makes this different from other aftermarket solutions?
This is the actual factory-developed solution manufactured by the original OEM supplier. It's not an interpretation or copy - it's the genuine article, including several engineering improvements over the standard setup that MG Rover's own engineers developed.
My TF is my daily driver. Is this kit suitable for regular use?
Absolutely. In fact, this kit was specifically developed to make the TF more suitable for daily use. The softer ride characteristics make urban driving more comfortable while maintaining the car's sporting character for when you want to enjoy it.
Are there any maintenance considerations I should be aware of?
The kit uses high-quality components that should provide excellent service life. However, as with any suspension system, regular inspection of bushes and mountings is recommended. The upgraded components actually tend to require less maintenance than the original items.
Will I need any special tools or expertise for installation?
While the kit is designed to fit directly in place of the original components, we recommend professional installation. Spring compression and correct torque settings are critical for both safety and performance.
I'm concerned about authenticity - will this affect my car's originality?
This kit represents a factory-developed upgrade rather than a modification. It's effectively what MG Rover would have fitted if they'd had more development time before the TF's launch. It's entirely in keeping with the car's original character and engineering philosophy.