Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) 2005 Roadster ride

There is a whole spectrum of solutions to a poor ride in Morgans , far more than there used to be.

The most extreme would be to convert to SSL Suplex Front Suspension and SSL 5L rear. You really will notice an immediate difference to both ride comfort and handling , but there is a cost to this , and of course it is the highest of any of the remedies.

The lowest cost , and therefore perhaps the best starting point, as others have pointed out would be to check that you current set is working optimally. Make sure the shocks are not not overtightened and the rubber bushes can flex. Make sure that the front suspension is greased regularly, and excess grease emits from the damper blade area. If you do still have the plastic bushes then this is doubly important. Don't park the car up for long periods in the winter or they will probably seize and the whole process will start again. The rear suspension leaves can be lubed with chainsaw oil , or motorcycle chain oil , try to get as much between the leaves as you can. Again check the shocks are not bolted up too tightly. Also don't forget to experiment with tyre pressures, that can have a dramatic difference at zero cost, try 18 psi all round and work upwards, or 24psi and go down.

Now come all the other options which vary in cost between, e.g.: new shocks, new front springs, higher profile tyres, cutting down the rebound springs to 50% so they are not engaged on static ride height.

One solution that I use on my +8 is to employ a set of Bilstein rear shocks which were specified for the Series 1 Roadster , these were optimised for a compliant ride. I think the ride is quite acceptable for touring, and I do long distances in my car.

How is the ride of the new Morgans

Will do
Thanks

Andy thank you great info I will look at what you recommend
All the best

Andy I am running at 22 lbs all around on new Michelins with only 5000 miles

I run at 4 clicks all round on AVO's and 24psi.

How old are the tyres because old rubber will stiffen the ride.

I also have bronze bushes with Mulfab steering bearings.

The six leaved rear springs on the 2005 are not as compliant as the later four leaved springs.

Didnt classic cars with leaf springs used to have leather gaiters round the springs to keep in lube and avoid rusting?

Yes many did especially Bentleys

They often had grease nipples in the covers.

I used Denso Tape when I replaced the springs on Bumble after lubricating overnight with the centre bolt slackened off.

The rear springs of My 1954 Bentley "R" were lubricated by a foot pump, as well as other lubrication points on the suspension. The leather gaiters had been removed by a prior owner. There was a grooved milled in each spring the length of the spring and the trunnions were plumbed. Made for a very smooth ride, BUT, the front suspension hogged all the oil. An English Rolls Royce specialist named Norman Geeson made up a system of plastic tubing to insure the rear springs got their fair share of oil. I have often thought that by using the One Shot Oiler and milling the Morgan springs the ride could be improved. As well a wrapping the rear springs. But is it worth the effort. I just spray chain oil on top of the spring twice a year and hope for the best.