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

Chaps, does any one have the factory fitted 5 link rear suspension and front up grade again factory fitted. I ask as despite Krazy Horse setting it to it's softest setting, I'm finding it really hard and doing my back in to the extent that the car may have to go, I didn't have any problems with my previous 4 cars with the good old leaf springs, comments much appreciated, the car is a 2019 3.7 ltr V6 roadster in case that is relevant, thank you.

Yes the factory five link 3.7 Roadster uses stiff rear springs to limit roll which causes an over firm ride given you're close to sitting on the back axle. Adjusting the SSL front damping will make little difference therefore and needs to be several clicks above minimum (about halfway) to control front adequately.

The answer are the dual rate rear coil overs offerered by SSL specifically for the factory five link Roadster Reg. These give an initial soft ride then stiffen up on greater suspension movement to limit roll better than OE. Best of both worlds. They also offer adjustable spring pre-load and adjustable gas assisted damping. I've never needed to adjust the spring pre-load on mine as absolutely no issues, even two up with's huge suitcase on the back and full tank, from supplied settings as shown below.

Reg I think it is very subjective. I prefer the leaf springs but I have driven a 5 link Brooklands Roadster & I didn't find the ride harsh at all. Though that was the SSL kit not the MMC one.
Certainly it was more controlled under load but not enough for me to change. Richard has the set up so I would follow his advice.

If you’ve got the SSL rear upgrade fitted and it still feels that solid, then I would assume something else is wrong.

I can concur with Richard's comments as I have the same spec on a 3.7 and too felt the need to upgrade the rear coilovers to SSL's version which greatly improved the front / rear damping balance

Just to add Reg, I was told by Dan at SSL I was his first client to have the rear suspension of his Morgan attended to before the front. It seems a knee jerk reaction to blame the front end for any comfort issues and it took a third party to confirm to me it was in fact the rear suspension causing discomfort over Norfolks worst potholes - take your pick. After his prototype solution to the rear was fitted I noticed the improvement to ride before even leaving the drive of his premises. The first bend I took gave an instant through the seat of your pants improvement in cornering as well that I wasn't expecting. I quickly realised this was due to reduced rear roll giving improved tuck in.

The improvements to rear then focused my attention on the front suspension deficiencies and I purchased and fitted the SSL RS kit to work in harmony. I understand you already have this fitted and were expecting such alone to improve ride comfort - you really need both.

Thanks for your inputs chaps, much appreciated. I have had a long discussion with Dan White which confirms all you have said, the stumbling block at this time is the not insignificant cost of having the rear end sorted , parts plus labour will amount to quite a sum. I will need to give it some thought however once again, thank you for passing on your knowledge.

Shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes to fit them yourself Reg. Remove tool tray. Jack up under diff. Then add axle stands each side and a second jack to just take wheel weight on one side then the other which will allow each coil over, one by one, to be unbolted, slid off and replacement fitted.

Yep, as Richard says very straight forward DIY job

Dan at SSL will also deal direct for the parts, so you can avoid dealer mark up

Actually, If you're ever up in Yorkshire, I'll fit them, set the ride height & grease your kingpins for nowt

Jon M, What a very kind offer, don't worry I won't turn up on your doorstep to take you up on it. I am going to K.H. on Friday to have a chat, Dan White is going to be there, in the meantime, I have found a use for a spare Air Wedge that I have, it has been re purposed as an inflatable lumber support so it will be interesting if that helps at all.