Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Re-adjusting SSL front suspension

SSL Front suspension question?

For the avoidance of doubt, I'm on very unfamiliar territory here!

Just had closer look at my front suspension. I notice what I believe to be the rebound spring
is tight against the stub axel (N/S/F) but on the O/S/F has about 10mm of travel.

Any advice and information appreciated for which one is correct and how to adjust ?
My instinct is the one with 10mm of travel is correct.

I notice the front suspension has a slight bounce, which I'm wondering is because of the reduced suspension travel on the N/S/F?

Tin hat is on now.....

Regards,

Steve.

Everything you need to know is in the threads already published here. The rebound springs should be just kissing or able to be just rotated by hand. But, you need to do bounce tests with shockers removed and suspension well greased first to make sure it is settled. Whilst you have the shockers off, try operating them in and out by hand to see if one is weak, which could account for the bounce you have mentioned. They should be easy to compress but much harder to extend.

Just to add Steve, it's not unusual for the drivers side mainspring to settle to a greater degree especially if car is driven solo. From memory the drivers side required at least another 5mm of thread showing above adjusting collar to reduce rebound spring clearance to zero static.

Another issue is that due to kingpin geometry the drop test recommended by SSL, even with shocks removed, can fail to provide any significant bounce because the tyres are forced outwards as suspension compresses, compromising same. This effect is exaggerated by wider tyres on Roadsters for example. You have therefore to resort to a little cunning as mentioned by Doug a few posts above, and obviously with freshly greased and ideally well run in stub axle bushes, to gain a median for the static position each side.

The 'bounce' you encounter is probably from the side with 10mm of play static. This allows excessive rebound suspension travel. Correctly adjusted (you will need the two C spanners supplied with SSL kit) the total suspension travel over a bump will reduce but in so doing allow a more comfortable ride due to reduced bounce as well as roll. Dampers can then be adjusted to compliment.

I know some won't agree, but for a road use SSL setup, best to have a tiny bit of freeplay in the rebound spring rather than it being nipped in compression

Well I agree Jon if only to avoid the very high resulting spring rate which will rattle your teeth if there is any static pre-load on rebound spring.

Just had SSL fitted (never have got round to it myself). No set up done, 20mm gap above rebound springs. Could not
remove shocks as some prat has over tightened the retaining nuts. If you want a job doing right do it yourself. Lost some faith in Morgan dealers.

Stay well away from that one

Using the two C spanners you should have been given (part of kit) you should be easily able to adjust out that play. TBH I don't remove shocks to adjust following initial fit, finding a median for the static position after a few drops using trolley jack.

I had to ask for the C spanners and was given no instructions. When I got home I phoned up about the instructions and was told they were on the Web. They are not. E mail to SSL and instructions sent as attachment to returned mail. SSL said that a laminated copy of the instructions are provided with each kit!

I have set up the suspension using the spanners, the near side is spot on but the offside keeps varying. Can only think that I have a sticky king pin. New King's pins fitted with suspension.

Yes I dropped on a trolley jack a few times.

The instructions used to be online, but you are correct, they no longer appear.
For what it’s worth, I had new king pins and SSL fitted about 8k miles ago and despite a couple of checks since, I often see a big gap on the passenger side when I look under it in the garage. Could it be the car rocking when Mrs gets out? As I drive down my sloping driveway to meet the road and feather the brake, I often hear a feint clonk, which I believe to be the suspension closing up the gap. So, yes, either a sticky king pin or sticky shocker. But, I don’t notice any ill effects on the road.

Has anyone tried a dose of 'moly' based grease to reduce the kingpin sticktion ?