According to Dan at SSL I was relatively unique in sorting out the over stiff rear of my Roadster before the front when I fitted their new dual rate coil over dampers, specifically for the factory 5 link system on latest version of this model, although the ARP4 may benefit as well. Unfortunately this highlighted the stiffness of front though.
I thought I had sorted this when I fitted AVO adjustable shocks late last year as it certainly calmed excessive cowl movement with more together feel. I attributed this remaining firmness to static load on rebound springs creating an initial high front spring rate. Deciding to fit SSL's matching RS front kit, I was surprised when pre-installion checks revealed there was no static pre-load on either rebound spring, indeed the offside showed 2mm of vertical movement! Nevertheless on fitting RS kit I was pleased to find a ride which matched the rear. Soft initially for maybe first inch of movement, but quickly firming up after that to limit roll.
At the start I was prepared to accept a comfier ride as a trade off against reduced roll resistance. What I actually got on both front and rear was a rattle free ride on Norfolks worst, akin to riding on a cushion of air, coupled to increased roll resistance over original hence even better turn in, although it was good before. A pleasantly surprising win win!
Although I could have kept the AVO's I was persuaded to fit the matching Spax adjustable gas dampers which are part of the full kit. These I understand are tuned to match the RS rising rate springs. As a consequence I have a pair of Mulfab spec. front AVO's for sale. 6000 miles from new, PM if interested.
ETA: Noting Robs thoughts above, I would agree given my findings, that the only complete answer is to have some means of independantly adjusting front spring pre-load to give zero static load on rebound springs given factory variations side to side. Exactly what the RS kit has of course although shims may be another answer.
Last edited by Richard Wood; 30/09/19 09:44 PM.
