Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Panhard Rod

Has anyone fitted a Panhard rod to a 90's Plus 8? On this model, the fuel lines exit the tank at the bottom right hand side (when facing front). Also there is an aluminium floor section under the fuel pump about a foot or so in front of the fuel tank. Hence there is no clearence to mount the Panhard rod without it fouling the fuel lines and/or aluminium floor section. You can see it quite well in an earlier posting today, if you open up the attachment photos to "jacking points". In the pic showing where to place a lift, you can clearly see the aluminium floor section under the rear axle.
I can modify the aluminium floor to give clearence, but I am concerend about the fuel lines. Any advice please.

Have you tried talking to Mogsport/Mulfab who make the panhard rod kits for the factory? They must have fitted them to Plus 8's in the past. They are very approachable.

Could someone explain to me what the benefits are of fitting a panhard rod?

Bud
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2003 - 4/4

It stops the rear axle moving sideways. One end fixes to the chassis and the other end to the axle. Not common practice on the road with leaf springs but essential with trailing arms and coilovers, which is what my Gilbern Invader had.

But adding one to a trad is of huge benefit as it stops the wound up spring hop in corners and tightens up the rear end hugely. Well worth it to any spirited driver I'd say.

Thanks chaps. It makes sense now.

Bud
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2003 - 4/4

The anti-tramp bars are used to control wind-up of the springs and the panhard rod controls sideways movement.

I originally was sent the wrong kit, they exchanged it after I explained the problem (even though I had given my model and year when ordering the rod). However, I still have the problem as described above. I have spoken with Mulfab, even though I bought the kit through their distributor over here, and that's how I got it exchanged, but still a fitting problem!

Well, I spent all day Saturday and part of Sunday under my Plus 8 (I have a lift that takes it up 26 inches). After much trial and error I finally fit the panhard rod. Had to modify the aluminium floor under the fuel pump, but it's on nicely and no fouling of the fuel lines. Took it out for a test run, between rain showers, and it feels much more taught when "throwing" it into sharp corners. I also fit new steeting rack boots as the original ones had split. Interestingly on my Plus 8, there is additional channeled steel bolted under the rear chassis bottom rail. I think this is some of the additional chassis strengthening the factory did for the Plus 8. Hence the drilling process to fit the Panhard rod was rather laborious! (8 bolt holes)

Sounds like a good result. Any photos?