The Complete Guide to Sunbeam Tiger Suspension Parts

Restoring or upgrading a Sunbeam Tiger requires careful attention to its suspension system. The Tiger’s handling is a blend of Ford small-block power and Alpine-based underpinnings, making suspension parts a unique challenge. Whether you’re chasing originality or modern performance, understanding the available components is essential.

Front Suspension Components

The Sunbeam Tiger uses a double wishbone front suspension derived from the Alpine, but with heavier springs and a sway bar to handle the V8 torque. Key parts include:

Upper and Lower Control Arms

Original control arms are stamped steel and prone to wear at the ball joint and bushing points. Replacement options include OEM-style units from specialized suppliers like Sunbeam Specialties or Classic Sunbeam. For improved geometry, tubular aftermarket arms are available from a few fabricators—they allow adjustment of caster and camber, which is valuable if you’ve lowered the car.

Coil Springs

Factory Tiger springs are progressive rate, but sag over time. Replacement stock-height springs are offered by multiple vendors. For a stiffer ride or lower stance, consider springs from competition suppliers such as Rimmer Bros (UK) or local spring shops that can custom-wind to your specification. A 1-inch drop is popular without sacrificing much ride quality.

Ball Joints and Tie Rod Ends

These wear items are shared with the Alpine and some Ford models. Upper ball joints are removable; lower ones are integral to the lower control arm on early cars, but replacement arms often include replaceable ball joints. Ensure you get the correct taper—Tiger uses Ford Granada tie rod ends on later models. Moog or Raybestos brands offer quality replacements.

Sway Bar (Anti-Roll Bar)

Original Tigers had a 5/8-inch front bar. An upgraded 3/4-inch bar from Addco or a custom-fabricated one reduces body roll without harshness. Polyurethane bushings improve response. Some enthusiasts fit a rear bar from a Sunbeam Alpine or aftermarket, but that requires drilling and careful tuning.

Rear Suspension Components

The rear uses a solid axle with leaf springs and telescopic shocks. It’s simple but can be improved.

Leaf Springs

Original leaf springs are multi-leaf and can sag or develop a reverse arch. Replacements are available from standard sources (e.g., Eaton Detroit Spring) that can re-arch or build new springs with stock or higher rates. A common upgrade is to use a mono-leaf spring from a later Ford Mustang II if the perches and shackles are modified, but this is not a bolt-on.

Shock Absorbers

Factory shocks were lever-arm type on the rear of early cars, later changed to tube shocks. Modern telescopic shocks like Bilstein or Koni are direct replacements for the tube-shock versions. For lever-arm cars, conversion kits replace the lever unit with a tube shock mount—Sunbeam Specialties offers a bolt-in kit. Adjustable shocks allow tuning for street or track.

Rear Axle and Control Arms

The Tiger uses a Ford 8-inch rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and a Panhard rod on later models (sometimes aftermarket). The Panhard rod keeps the axle centered; replacing its bushings with polyurethane reduces slop. Traction bars or ladder bars help control axle wind-up under hard acceleration.

Steering and Brakes

Suspension upgrades often go hand-in-hand with steering and brake improvements. A slower steering rack from an Alpine can be swapped for a quicker ratio, and power steering can be added using a Toyota or Ford electric pump setup. Brake parts: Front disc brake calipers can be upgraded to larger pistons or vented rotors using kits from vendors like Classic Sunbeam or SS (Sunbeam Specialties). Rear drum-to-disc conversions are available with Wilwood or Ford calipers.

Where to Buy Sunbeam Tiger Suspension Parts

Several specialty suppliers cater to Sunbeam Tigers and Alpines:

• Sunbeam Specialties (California) – wide inventory of OEM and upgraded suspension parts, including bushings, springs, shocks, and steering components.
• Classic Sunbeam (Ohio) – focuses on restoration parts, including front suspension rebuild kits.
• Rimmer Bros (UK) – offers many original-style parts with affordable shipping to the US.
• SS (Sunbeam Spares) – Australian supplier with hard-to-find items.
• Local spring/machine shops – can custom-make leaf springs or coil springs to your specs.

When ordering, confirm part compatibility with your Tiger’s year (Mk I or Mk II) and whether it has original or modified mounting points.

Upgrades vs. Originality: Making the Choice

Decide your goal before buying parts. For concours restoration, source NOS (new old stock) or OEM-reproduction parts, but be prepared for higher costs and availability issues. For a driver or track car, modern suspension components dramatically improve handling without ruining the classic feel. Common upgrades:

• Polyurethane bushings throughout (reduces compliance but can introduce harshness; mix with rubber on street cars).
• Adjustable coilovers on front (requires welding or custom top mounts).
• Lowering the ride height 1–2 inches improves cornering but may require bumpsteer correction.
• Larger sway bars and a rear bar for flatter cornering.

Practical Tips for Installation

• Always replace bushings, ball joints, and tie rods as a set.
• Check the steering box for lash; adjust or rebuild it.
• Consider a four-wheel alignment after any suspension work—Tigers are sensitive to toe and camber.
• Upgrade the front crossmember mounting bolts—they can loosen over time.
• If fitting larger wheels/tires, ensure clearance with the inner fenders and suspension arms.

Final Recommendation

For most Tiger owners, a balanced approach yields the best results: rebuild the front end with new ball joints, bushings, and stock springs, add a 3/4-inch sway bar, and install Koni adjustable shocks all around. In the rear, replace the leaf springs with new stock-rate units and use a Panhard rod if your car lacks one. This combination preserves ride quality, reduces body roll, and tightens handling without breaking the bank. If you plan to track the car, invest in tubular control arms and a rear disc conversion. Always source parts from reputable dealers to avoid fitment headaches. With deliberate choices, your Sunbeam Tiger will corner like the British-American muscle car it was meant to be.