Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) brake reaction stays, anti-tramp etc. do they work

These items are tempting, and logically they should work. But do they, in real life? I am of course not talking about racing or very spirited driving, but of day-to-day ordinary driving, cruising, touring as i would believe most Morganeers do. To this day, I have not experienced a tramp, so what would be the purpose of an anti-tramp bar? I have never locked my wheels when braking, and with that driving pattern, would I notice any difference with brake reaction stays? One shock brand as opposed to another? Panhard rod? The experiences posted on TM are very different. Some praise their upgrades (placebo or reality?), some state that they do not notice much difference. What to believe?

I have anti tramp bars on my Roadster it does make a difference when you really push it.
I have brake reaction bars. To me they firm up the front end.
The factory shocks are rubbish so any upgrade helps. Avo work for me.

A very good question Robbie.

My everyday 3.0 litre Roadster driving style is similar to yours and resulted in getting the brake reaction bars fitted along with a brake upgrade - better pads etc. This resulted in much improved stability and confident braking

I never felt a need for anti-tramp and Panhard rod - which I assumed were more relevant to track days rather than our roads?

Good Luck

Plus all round AVO shocks - as part of an upgrade that significantly improved the overall driving experience.

Cheers

Like John, I have brake reaction bars, Panhard rod, anti-tramp bars and AVO shock absorbers on my car and I agree that they give improvements when pressing on.

But having said that:

- If you've never notice your front end squirming a bit under heavy braking, then you probably don't need brake reaction bars

- If you've never noticed your rear axle hopping sideways in hard cornering then you probably don't need a Panhard rod

- If you've never felt your rear axle hopping and jumping under really hard acceleration you probably don't need ant-tramp bars

But I would say a set of adjustable AVOs are highly recommended for any style of driving. Much better than the factory shocks.

I fitted brake reaction bars to my +4 about 18 months ago and I think they make a big difference to the ride even when not braking.

At about £50 a pair and very easy to fit I think this is a very good value upgrade.

There again you could be the sort of person who isn't aware of what is going on and you'd see yourself as not needing such things.

If you have another car do you notice it's better or worse dealing with what you ask of it on the open road than the Morgan, would you accept say an Audi Ford or whatever to handle the same way a Morgan does?

My wife with her old car was totally oblivious to the way it travelled on the roads often wondering what I was complaining about, until that is she replaced it with her new mx5 which was world's apart in terms of ride comfort.

I think the best thing for you to do would be compare your Mog without the additional bits and pieces and travel same 30 miles with someone who has had these things fitted and see if you notice any difference.

You may notice no difference at all or you may be able to, it's a fair bit of money to spend if it makes no difference, there again it could be a total revelation?

dmh,
as far as I know the 3 l Roadster have a factory fitted panhard rod.
Later 3.7 l ones were fitted with anti tramp bars
John

Well, I didn't know that John - will look next time I am with the car (as my son drives it these days).

Have to agree meanwhile with milligoon - my new MX5 is far superior in all respects- but it isn't a Morgan!

Ah well - they say we MOG enthusiasts are "unhinged"

I had a lot of judder or shaking during my first two years of ownership when braking. My garage found a lot of play in the joint between the stering rack and the stub axle. When replaced, the judder or shaking disappeared.
I also have Mulfab bearings at front with Koni shocks, and AVo´s at the rear. A vast improvement of the original setup.
I´m considering a panhard rod at the rear, because I can feel the rear axle moving sideways from time to time, and the rubbing mark from the rear tire on the exhaust is an evidence.
Before forking out huge money on upgrades, make sure the car is sound and well without worn out bushings and the like.