Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Suspension 2019 Roadster

Just to add David the thread on fitting the prototype SSL rear coil over dampers starts here, with full comments on the improvements. Fitting took 10 minutes and apart from adjusting damping a few clicks either way I've felt no need to adjust further. No ground clearance or suspension travel issues despite touring two up with heavy suitcase.

The SSL RS front kit I fitted shortly after also provides a dual rate action, together with accurate adjustment of main spring pre-load to obtain the well established ideal setting of zero play and pre-load on rebound spring whilst static (i.e. just touching). Too tight and you have harsh initial travel due to both springs working together, too slack and you have excess suspension travel on rebound and increased roll, so correct setting important for ride comfort over bumpy roads.

Thanks for clarifying Richard and also for the link to your earlier massive discussions here at TM....it was a lot to take in:-)

If I just could ask you to clarify your clarification...he he he..You say that there is no point for me just doing the front to stop the bobbing but also the rear even though I have the 2019 5 link?

I also wonder how you have come up with the adjustments? What are the different setting on the SSL kits ? Spring pre-load (also ride height?) and damper both in and re-bound settings?

Thanks for your help!

/David

Best answer your queries David by saying I was the first SSL customer to sort the rear suspension first according to Dan White, implying the front suspension is the usual starting point.

With regard to the front and rear SSL kits, both have Spax adjustable damping. Gas on the front not sure on rear. Both have adjustable spring pre-load as well but here there is a difference. The front is not adjusted to user preference, it's there to achieve zero pre-load on rebound spring with no excess play for reasons I've already given. The rear setup is adjustable for load but given the nature of operation I was concerned that too much pre-load here would compromise the 25mm soft range of ride. I've had no reason to change anyway from that initially set by Dan.

Over the course of many conversations with Peter Ballard, from SSL, I was left with the feeling that the rear suspension on a trad morgan is as compromised as the front, the two working together to bring on the dreaded Morgan Nod.
I owned a Roadster for 2 years, it had SSL front suspension and uprated rear shocks.
I've also driven and been a passenger in a Plus 4 with SSLs front and rear suspension and I have to say it doesn't drive like a Trad Morgan any longer, it is much more like an Aero Plus 8 and a CX Plus 4.
I can understand why some prefer the genuine Trad experience, but it isn't for me.
It would be interesting to get a relatively new 4/4 and fit the full SSL front and rear suspension, as a light weight alternative to the Aero Plus 8!!

David, I would do the front first, I've had two Roadsters and both ended up with SSL (Suplex originally) it will cure the nodding, stop the pothole 'crash' and you can raise the front ride height slightly to give increased sump clearance

Thank you all for great info and help........

I think I will start with changing the front and then decide if to do the rear as well. This due to that I feel the problems (bobbing) are more in the front. But I will talk to Dan White to get his feedback also.

Like I said before this will probably be a late fall/winter project since I am also doing some other things on the car first. But I will report on the progress when done.

Thanks again for you help!
/David

Just to get rid of bobbing I fitted AVO adjustable dampers, a quick an easy fit. I was still unhappy with the over firm rear though. As Cooperman suggests MMC deliberately made rear spring rates high for sporty pretentions and to limit roll when the 5 link rear was introduced around April 2018. Age and bumpy Norfolk roads left me looking for a solution to soften rear which thankfully at the time SSL were already working on.

Sorting rear highlighted front suspension deficiencies then which the SSL RS kit sorted to a large degree. If I was to repeat the exercise I would start with front in line with your current thoughts.

I have the standard suspension but with AVOs. No nodding dog. But I grease the front regularly. The rear seems fine to me the 5 link feels too modern for my taste but I can see why others go for it.

Oh and I run tyre pressures at 23 front & 26 rear based upon an article on here by P Jenks.

Again....Many thanks for your help and feedback.

I have e-mailed Dan White and we are discussing my options.....To be continued!!

Cheers/
David