Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Four-seater rear suspension

I always felt that the rear suspension of our 2008 Morgan +4 Four-seater was too soft. Unfortunately, the original Bilstein dampers are not adjustable. The Bilstein dampers have long bump stops effectively acting as progressive rubber springs. Last fall the local service agent fitted AVO dampers, and while the damping now can be adjusted to a suitable level, the lack of the progressive rubber springs has a severe effect on the carrying capacity. So how do I get both effects without going to a four-damper rear axle?

Harald

Good question, I'd like to know this as well, I did use many years ago Aeon spring helpers on some large vehicles no idea if such things are available these days.

Not Aeon, but..........
https://www.vibration-mounts.co.uk/ShowC...BBER-SPRINGS-54

Hi Harald, I too had a 2008 +4 4 seater, it had 2 sets of rear springs under warranty before I had a major row with the dealer and MMC and they (MMC) finally admitted they knew of a rear spring issue with supply and were changing suppliers. They came up with new rear springs of the 'latest set' (this would be well into late 2009)and it cured the problem totally. Others have claimed that the latest springs are made in India, I have spoken with the chap who makes them in Coventry as I have fitted 4 seat latest set springs to a 2 seater (also a 2008 +4) and the ride is superb and over a year its rear has dropped about 5mm as they have settled. The first question is are you on original 08 springs? If so maybe getting a pair of the current spec. 4 seater springs will solve all the problems. As to the Bilstein issue, I did exactly what you did and the car was almost dangerous as the Bilsteins provide a bump stop on the 4 seaters and of course you have removed it, I had the differential hitting the wooden heal board and it damaged the handbrake cable, that's the point the factory finally intervened and came up with the new springs.

Hi Harald
I agree with Spanner Juggler and had a similar experience.
My +4 4 seater went back under warranty and springs replaced but started having the same problem with the rear dropping and pulling to one side under acceleration uphill.
Spoke to Pete Mulberry who confirmed Morgan had problems with the springs not being tempered properly.
I was concerned that if I ordered a set from Morgan that I could have a set of the old ones from the 'springs bin'.
Pete Mulberry ordered a set for me from the new manufacturer known to him. They cost �196 +VAT this time last year.
I fitted them with the Mulberry Panhard rod and Mulberry's heavy duty U bolts.
I had a pair of AVO's but returned to the Bilstein.
The rear springs transformed the handling.
I think they are made by Suplex but not sure.
Front and rear Suplex, Bilstein's and Mulberry panhard rod and the 4 seater is as good as it gets.
I fitted the springs myself which is okay if you have some experience.
Worst bit, compressing the spring which I did with a spring compressor hooked under the chassis on the front of the spring.
I think Morgan should have had a recall as these springs are dangerous when they start to go.
All the AVO's do is disguise the problem.
Titus

Harald

I went down the road of spring assist with adjustable AVO� as I also had issues with a soft rear suspension. I made up a set of assists and whilst they do control the peak movement, I found they are really just a �sticking plaster� fix for the real issue, the springs!

Here http://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/189275/A_firm_rear_end#Post189275


I was initially in denial that my 2006 5-leaf springs were shot but they had actually seriously degraded and my rear end was in free fall . I originally took loads of measurements but could not be absolutely certain as to what was happening as the available information on this subject is a little sparse (interestingly there was only 8mm difference between left and right). Research showed that MMC did have quality issues at that time. So I have ordered a new pair of 4 leaf springs from Mulfab (very helpful) that are now awaiting fitting - fun to come!

The technique I used to illuminate my issue is below. I took a side view pic of my car and drew a line parallel to the underside of the front wing and then compared it to a pic of a new car with a similar line. See the defence.

Interesting Rog.

An air suspension upgrade has solved my problems.
Harald

Found this post.. Am looking into the Air Suspension which Harald mentions, which is used as an additional shock absorber. I changed the Shocks from the Original Bilstens to Avo's and that compounded the spring problem. Given the lack of Bump stop in the AVO, can this be rectified by adding a Spring Assist as Rog did, or do you need both?

It seems odd you have Morgan specialists selling and promoting Avo rear shocks for post 2006 4 seaters if they just make things worse.

I think Harald’s solution is the ultimate way forward. Mine is more of a budget solution. I’m using the springs assist in the pic below now. I’ve done a few thousand miles on these and they are absolutely brilliant. I would not be without them. They do compliment a “good set” of leaf springs. They add a little extra progressive resistance at the extreme end of the spring’s normal movement. They can be adjusted very precisely. Through trial and error I have found the sweet spot now. Bodywork crashing is a thing of the past. It’s a much nicer feel now. I can even feel them come into play and push back on the hard corners. I’m sure something like this on a four seater would be of use.


I even started on making up a few sets of the design below to see if there would be any interest but I must confess that it has slipped down the queue. Too many other things to play with