Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) SSL question

Hey guys,
After reading lots of good reviews of the SSL suspension upgrade, a couple of weeks ago I decided to have my mechanics here install the kit on my 2003 Morgan +8.
The weather has been bad here since so I’ve not had a chance to put too many miles on it since.
My first impression was very positive until I encountered one of the many “speed humps” we have here in Tallahassee. Seven on my street alone. These are different from speed “bumps”. These “humps” are about 15’ long and about 10” high in the mid point.
When I cross one, I get a harsh “bonk” like heavy metal against heavy metal.
Is this normal. I’m not approaching them at high speed and I’m not bottoming out. This is not what I was expecting. Has anyone else experienced this? Any ideas what could be causing this?
Richard

A 10" high speedbump is severe, most Mogs will catch the crossmember at only 4" - 5"

The SSL can be set up during install to give an increased ground clearance, did you specify this ? otherwise it drops the ride height (the overall total difference could be around 40mm) -20 if dropped / + 20 if lifted, unfortunately it's almost a full stripdown to swop the spacers over

Hey John,
I don’t think that I am hitting when I go over the speed humps. These humps are about 15’ long with the 10” rise at the middle. I’ve never bottomed out even with the original suspension, certainly there was no metal to metal “bong” sound
Richard

How about increasing the damping rate on the shock absorbers? Could it be that they have been left on the softest setting?

Cooper, I didn’t specify the increased height. Do you know of anyone who has experienced this after not asking for the increased ride height setting? It does feel like it’s bottoming out in the suspension.
Dejay, my mechanic said that he had it on a soft rate at first but increased it. I assume he put it at the midrange but I don’t know for sure. It feels pretty stiff.
Richard

Richard, as Jon has mentioned there is a ride height option when fitting the SSL RS kit. The owner has to choose which best matches his current setup. It seems likely your fitter chose the low option without checking. See photo below of relevant part of fitting instructions.



As you can see there is a 20mm spacer which can be fitted either above the sliding stub axle to give higher ride height or below. I suspect with your current setup the spacer is below. Your fitter should be able to correct this noting the spring pre-load will need re-adjusting accordingly (approx 70mm for +8 with high ride height). This latter adjustment is important as well so worth ensuring its carried out according to instruction sheet for each side. With car static on the ground the rebound spring each side should just be able to turn with no vertical movement.

The kit typically comes with adjustable Spax gas assisted dampers. It's worth experimenting yourself with the settings on these after ride height has been corrected. Wind the click adjusters in each side until they reach the limit then back off around 30 clicks, but same number each side. Take the car for a short ride on gently undulating road and note how the front of hood moves up and down. Repeat the ride after winding in each damper four clicks and keep repeating the test until you find the sweet spot when the hood movement is noticeably limited with road surface changes, then back off a click or two. Car will feel more taught but overall give a more comfortable ride.

Good morning folks,
A big thanks to everyone for the responses. I’m still trying to make sense of what’s going on with my “suspension upgrade”
It was a beautiful day here in north Florida yesterday so I took my favorite car out for a ride. The tour was ruined almost immediately as I turned out of my driveway. Clankity clank. Then the first speed bump elicited the bonks. Not just one but a combination of bonks as I passed over the hump.
Before I spent almost $1000 on the kit plus the cost of installation I carefully read every opinion about the upgrade. I recall very few posts that were not positive.
What I have is anything but positive. It’s way worse than the original stock suspension. Even the smallest bumps elicit an unpleasant clank.
I plan to talk to the people at the shop who did the work on Monday. I’ve attached several pics of the install. Do you see anything in the photos that may be the cause of the noises I’m getting?

There seems to be a big gap above the lower spring which I thought could cause a knocking but I am just guessing as do not know how it should look like.

Richard that installation hasn't been completed. I cannot see the 20mm spacer, its certainly not at the bottom but not obvious at the top either. What is really worrying though is that little or no attempt has been made to pre-load the main spring(s). On a heavy engined Plus 8 this should be considerable, the instructions (for high ride height option) suggest 70mm pre-load as a starting point. Because there appears to be none the car will have very soft soggy suspension leading to the clearance issues you have. It will roll badly in corners as well with excessive suspension travel.

Have rotated and made your pictures display below.

Thanks Richard,
I’m going to see if I can get some better pictures. Will post soon.
Richard