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Joined: Jul 2007
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I prefer the trad set up at the rear but modern Mogs are better designed.


JohnV6
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Brize #664500 27/09/20 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Brize
Just a quick post with a real-life experience for anyone reading this thread considering the 5 link. I had the front SSL kit fitted to my Plus 4, which made a big difference and was good value for money. The rear, however, which was fitted a month later, was a complete waste of money. It made practically no difference; if anything, the ride is slightly harder and I preferred the car as it was.

It may be that my (2019) car had a relatively decent ride quality anyway for some reason such that I didn't notice the difference, whereas an older car would benefit more the 5-link. I don't know, because mine is the only Morgan that I've ever driven. In any event, the rear 5-link is certainly not transformational, which it should be for the money.


I wonder if the rear has been set up properly, having compared a leaf sprung car to a SSL rear even just pressing on the back of the car the springing feels markedly softer


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The work was done by Williams so I've no doubt that it was a proper job and properly set up.

Brize #664504 27/09/20 01:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Brize
The work was done by Williams so I've no doubt that it was a proper job and properly set up.


Fair point, Williams should know their stuff, does yours have the adjustable shocks ?


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Originally Posted by CooperMan
Originally Posted by Brize
The work was done by Williams so I've no doubt that it was a proper job and properly set up.


Fair point, Williams should know their stuff, does yours have the adjustable shocks ?


Yes, and apparently adjusted to a medium setting.

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Personally unless you're a regular trackday yoof, I'd try them FULLY backed off to soft & the fronts too (the front can have a surprising effect on the rear end feel)


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Originally Posted by CooperMan
Personally unless you're a regular trackday yoof, I'd try them FULLY backed off to soft & the fronts too (the front can have a surprising effect on the rear end feel)


Thank you - that advice is gratefully received.

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Originally Posted by CooperMan
Personally unless you're a regular trackday yoof, I'd try them FULLY backed off to soft & the fronts too (the front can have a surprising effect on the rear end feel)


- I agree - unless you've got it on the softer setting, it'll feel as solid as the leaf springs.

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I don't see that the dampers will be the differentiator between the leaf spring back end or the 5 Link.

You can just as easily soften the dampers to make a leaf spring set up slightly more compliant but as I see it the spring rate is the spring rate regardless of the type of spring.

And also, they both still use a solid axle so no difference there.

Unsprung weight maybe?

What am I missing?

This assumes a properly located leaf spring setup. Panhard rod and maybe anti tramp bars on higher powered cars.


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Surely coil springs offer better compliance to road surface changes given as you mention, lower unsprung weight but more importantly less friction in their movement. Even a single leaf spring suffers from the friction of its shackles.


Richard

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