Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Two different shock absorbers on 09 Plus 4

Yes I discovered that my Plus 4 has Sachs at the front and Bilsteins at the back. Model numbers are unreadable. 09 car, mileage is 10,000.
This may have an answer that begins with "it depends" but here goes. Which of these two types are likely to be original?
They are both in about the same state of grubbiness and I notice that the rear offside moutning rubber appears to have become distorted. this car goes to BHM on Tuesday for service, MOT and handbrake cable - yes that one. I am tempted to have 4 new shocks fitted at the same time, what do people think?

The old adage: If it ain’t broke....shocks should be good for 50k. Any wet patches or oil leaks? However, if the rubber is distorted it may have been tightened too much when installed. Shocks should be tightened to a gentle snug fit, not reemed up!

MMC have fitted both Sachs and Bilstein shock absorbers at different times , BUT it would be most unusual for them to fit 2 different sets on the same car (although nothing is impossible at Malvern of course!)

The Bilstein is probably the better quality product so if you want to save some pennies and buy 2, I would replace the Sachs. As Doug has said shocks should last years , especially with the limited suspension travel of a trad Morgan, but many have found handling improvements by specifying higher quality , or adjustable times.

This may be MMC fitting rear dampers to a four seater better suited to the four seater rear end, so it may have been built like that.

Or a previous owner was experimenting?

Sachs were OE on one of my Mogs some years ago, it was rumoured that bought in trade quants MMC paid around £10 each...'nuff said, they (fronts) are the ones to start with Kevin

Thanks for all the input, it's good to get some perspectives on the subject.

Yes, I think I'll replace the fronts and go for AVO's they seem to be popular

Not at all unusual Andy, my 2008 4 seat had Sachs on the front and Bilsteins on the rear, so did Geoff Trigwells 2007 car.

I am amazed they didn’t mix brands side to side!

BR
Colin

If it is a 4 seater you will need to keep the Bilstens on the back due the Bump Stop / Spring assist fitted.

I spoke with Keith at BHM who said exactly this - (are you Keith at BHM?). the combination was factory fitted and for the reasons stated. Interesting!

I have just been down that road before with my dads roadster 4 seater.. think the only alternative to the Bilstens is SSL did a Spax shock with a spring assist for the 4 seater, they are about £200 for the pair, however I haven’t heard of anyone fit them yet.