Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) New 4/4 Factory Suspension Options

Hi all, I was looking at the new 10/18 options list for a new 4/4 and am left a little confused, so I’m after some (newbie) advice from those who know.

The factory Suspension Options are :

1/ Adjustable platform front suspension kit
2/ Anti-Tramp bar kit
3/ Panhard rod kit
4/ Brake reaction bars
5/ Adjustable shock absorbers, front and rear

I’ve learned from another post that option 1 is the SSL Suplex front suspension and I’d definitely go for that.

My Intention is to get the Rear SSL Suplex 5 Link fitted at the rear as an aftermarket fit.

Question is : Given that I’m going to go for the SSL all round (front in factory, rear aftermarket), which of the options 2 to 5 are worth also getting done in the factory? And is it worth getting all or just some of options 2 to 5 done to get the perfect setup? Maybe the SSL all round plan negates the need to go for some of options 2 to 5? I really don’t know.

Recognising suspension is a bit of an “each to their own” topic, what would people recommend?

Your thoughts are welcome.

If you go down the rear five link route you do not need 2, 3 and 5 options.

Thanks Jays. so from that I guess the brake reaction bars might still be worth the £76 +VAT on top of the SSL F & R.

Cheers.

Hi Pipmac

If I was having a new 4/4 I would add the break reaction bars, not that I’m a heavy breaker, but many on here including Andymot say it’s stiffened up the front end.

I’m looking to have some fitted at my next service.

Is it your first Morgan at all? Why not drive her for a season as is? OK I can understand very well that this new options may be cheaper to go at first when ordering than a later change after the car has been built.

But what do you want, a real Morgan as it is...a time machine from the past or a Morgan which is trying to make concessions to the modern world.

I would add #4 and 5 first. I don‘t need #2 because I now have the 4leaf 4seater springs at the back. This springs help to avoid bumping through and because they are stronger and the cardan does not tend to wind up any longer, touching the floor only in very extreme moments which you can experience when you pull very strongly in first gear with a copilot and a full tank.

As it's going to be modded afterwards just save your money and use it as a standard build.

Not sure you'd need the anti tramp on tramp on the 1.6

If you have brake reaction bars fitted when you have the suplex fitted they'll be be peanuts to fit as they'll be doing the front end dampers anyway.

If it is an option of all the things I'd have done on a new build would be to have harden chrome kingpins fitted not sure if they offer that though.

With the other bits to the rear though why pay extra if you'll be removing it when having the five link fitted?

Hi Craig, Heinz and Miligoon, I think from the advice I’m getting a new picture appearing and that is : Suspension wise get it as it is from the factory, see how you go and then get the lot done in the aftermarket perhaps in stages. e.g. Front SSL and reaction bars together, maybe together with hardened king pins. Try that out for a bit and only then go for the 5 Link or consider the 4 seater spring option.

That could easily be the better plan as there’s no real cost advantage from factory fit only one of convenience. The staged upgrades after purchase are also part of the fun of Morgan ownership (I can see from this forum) so there’s no real down side from that aftermarket option.

Thanks guys, good call.

I agree with Heinz. Drive it as it is, get experience, read on the forum an enjoy stepwise upgrades as they (hopefully...) improve your car. I will do upgrades in a short time (brake reaction stays, Panhard rod, steering damper, to start with) but will deliberately do one at a time, for the fun of seeing what each upgrade will do. Of course, yours being a new car, you will need to do a bit of calculus, but as I understand you have done so already. But I thought hardened KPs was standard these days? If not, get them installed. Not that they will change your driving experience as long as the car is relativly new, but they are, as I suppose you know, more wear resistant.

Hi Pipmac,

I think you have it about right!. The brake reaction bars are a low cost upgrade ( factory or aftermarket) and very effective in improving the steering and general feel of the front end.

I find the standard rear suspension is fine - adding a panard rod at a later date will improve the cars handling and make it feel more planted.

However - as others have said - get it, drive it and get to know it. Talk to other owners and get a few rides out in their cars with the upgrades etc to really get a feel for it. These cars are a bit like a tailored suit that need to bed-in and be tweaked to fit the owner perfectly - indeed part of the fun.

Yep, Andy (and everyone else) has it right.