Moss Motors, Ltd

Have you changed out or modify your existing suspension?

If so, please talk about it.

For instances, Why did you want to change/modify? What part or parts did you change/modify? Who supplied your parts? Results, happy with the change? Would of done something different? Future, whats next?

Please indicate the year and model. Thanks to all that shares, should be very interesting!

 

Joseph

Joseph, the majority of suspension modifications for British cars come in the form of replacement bushings and shocks. I replaced the original rubber bushings in my MG Midget suspension with polyurethane parts mostly to improve service life as the original bushings aren't known for lasting well especially the upper trunion and rear shackle busings. Moss has polyurethane busings for most British cars. I'm very happy with the results, the steering feels more direct but the ride isn't too harsh. I also replaced the rear lever action shocks with a tube shock conversion, but have changed my mind about that being a good idea since then. I would now just install rebuilt shocks from Peter Caldwell at World Wide Auto Parts. The price is very reasonable and the rebuilt units are actually better than new in may ways. http://www.mailbag.com/users/nosimport/ 

Although many British car suspensions were of a somewhat obsolete design even for the period they were built in they work pretty well and the handling isn't bad so no real major design modifications are required, just bushing and shock replacement is all that most cars need to perform and handle great. With the additon of modern radial tires they will be much better even than they were originally.

---

'73 Midget (V6)
'59 MGA (I6) under construction
'73 Lotus Europa

"There is a fine line between a hobby and mental illness"

Bill,

 Thanks for the reply, i suppose i should chime in on what was done to my car by the previous owner. From what i can see the only modification to the suspension was the rear tube shock conversion. The car also has a rear sway bar, but i believe that is from factory. my car is a 78. The car has been sitting for about a little over a year. Have also noticed that one of the rear leaf spring is broken. So for the future, i foresee polyurethane bushings, new rear leaf springs (haven't decided on the drop, 1 or 2, any advice?), New springs (again not sure on the drop) front heavy duty shock valve replacements from moss.

 Have anyone installed the rear axle locator kit, or shortened front bump stop? 

Unless you intend on serious competition like driving, I would avoid the stiffer front shocks.  Consensus is it results in a much harsher ride and without all out upgrades is frankly a waste of time and $.  Poly bushings fore and aft are good.  Super Pro is a superior brand FWIW.

Hi, my 1968 GT has poly bushes all round, and a 7/8" anti roll bar. Everything else is standard and it handles great. The anti roll bar does cause understeer and i find it hard to get the tail out but i guess its safer that way. Id like to get the rear a little stiffer, maybe uprated lever arms as ive heard the tubular shocks are a little "too" stiff. Also i was at a track day last week and one guy with an MGB said how great the negative camber wishbones are, those will be my next modification.

As for the rear axle locator, or panhard rod, i want one lol!

I imagine you already realize that the way to counter the roll bar induced understeer is to install a small diameter bar at the rear.

---

Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon

i was thinking about that but my car is a chrome bumper and hence never came with a rear anti roll bar. is it possible to fit these fairly easily to a chrome car? if not would stiffer shocks help? ive been looking into uprated lever arms for a while but havent decided for definate yet.

itsa,

Stiffer shocks won't really do it. They may initially resist lean, but that is only for an instant. Once you are in a steady state turn, only the springs and bars determine the height of any one corner of the car. This, in turn, determines the roll characteristic and the over/understeer. Shocks have only one purpose. That is to damp oscillation.

I have seen add on rear sway bars for the MGB before, but I note that Moss no longer carries them. I wonder why. Anyway, it CAN be done. Google around a bit and see what you find.

---

Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon