For decades, Morgan trads come straight from the Factory with bump stops. For example, look under the hoop that anchors your dampers. See the thick piece of rubber.
You are correct. My 2014 4/4 came with a rubber bump stop on the hoop designed to impact the diff casing. When first inspected, it had never contacted the diff - even though I had experienced loud crashing as the springs hit the frame and the tool tray was hit by the diff casing. I fitted a second one to double the thickness when I changed the springs (Mulfab 4 seater 4 leaf). The new springs made a huge difference to things. I suspect I was a victim of a poor batch of factory springs. Sadly, the crashing bottoming out was not completely eliminated. The design simply doesn’t fit in recent cars with the plastic tool tray.
I fitted Roger’s spring assisters / bump stops recently and adjusted them as advised. The crashing finally stopped - even with a full load of touring luggage.
HI Chris. Interested in this stuff? I had the
your experience with leaf springs...4 times with my UK Morgan and once with my first Plus 8. No problem EVER with my last remaining Plus 8. Because of the UK experience those 4 sets were changer in a period from 2005 to 2007 and I only used that mog for a couple of months in the Spring and Fall.I would go out on a trip, and Kevin Vernon, my partner in crime at that time, would be appalled how much the rear had dropped each time after his installation of another set of spanking new Factory springs (Kevin, Mike Duncan and John Worrall looked after the UK c=car while I was back in Canada)
I do not count two of my leafs spring replacements. The cars involved were old when I got them and the leafs and the rest of the cars had not been perfectly cared for. When Morgans are not used, left on the ground (not stands) for long periods, or the leafs are not dealt with properly, they rust and when the car is finally used, they crack. (ugh) I finally cured the problem with the help of Morgan mates by buying outside the Morgan network. Is it still a hidden secret that that Morgan ran into a long batch of lousy leaf springs from a different suppliers? Is this a taboo subject? Luckily I have the old 5 leaf springs on my current mog, and they have not dropped in 19 years!
So no wonder Roger thought the problem was inherent! But he tried and I admire that a LOT.
I do so wish there were more like him! Being right is not as important as trying. Am I strange in that I instantly toss anything that doesn't work and improve the car or make it simpler? In a nutshell, vehicle leaf springs are not supposed to sag that quickly and if they do, like every other well cared for car, they are replaced when they do.. The increasing banging and crashing is merely a symptom. This "solution" makes a crash into a "thud" which, though less disconcerting, will happen more often as the adjustable bump stump HAS TO to invade the available precious suspension travel to work. And each adjustment, invades that space more. Theoretically, there will come a day when the car, at rest, will sit on the bump stop.
The major problem here, is not merely the long line a bum or inconsistent leaf springs(sometime from late 2002) but where to find reliable replacements NOW for the huge fleet out there that need them! I see some suppliers offering super stiff springs that will kill an older back in no time and are grounds for divorce .Avoid them. Any suggestions welcome. I get asked for people looking for new leaf springs every day. I could use some help finding some for trad Morgans. I have some feelers out there..and Downunder, as the distances make trucking more prevalent and trucks still use leaf springs..If anyone wants to help, I believe I have pinned down the spring rates with some guru types.
Lorne
