• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

TR4/4A Tr4A springs

Share this page

Car sits level, sagging??. Have new vertical shocks in rear.
When pushing down on right front fender, the left rear fender seems to react much more( rock ) than when pushing down the left front while watching the right rear fender. No bounce up front when pushing either front fenders.
Did I answer? Thanks.
 
Robert,

Hard to tell but that may be normal behavior. I too often wondered if springs slowly give out over time or if they fail (break) suddenly. I am still running original stock springs in my '66.

It is nearly impossible to document factory ride height. I have learned that so long ride height and performance from one side to other are the same, it should be OK. Unless, of course, there is noticeable sagging or performance issues equally effecting both sides.

It is a known fact that the TR4A original springs were too soft. Many owners upgrade rear springs to TR6. The original TR4A IRS spring was 9" long (unmounted in car) and rated at 280lbs. The TR6 rear spring is 9" as well but 354lbs. I have a whole list of spring part numbers and rates from the Big Three plus Moss Europe. Moss Europe writes in their catalog "We sell hundreds of PN TT4212 which is a nice compromise between ride and handling, it’s rated at 390 lbs (+39%), which should not cause any passenger discomfort." I'd probably think long and hard before going from 280lbs to 390lbs but, just telling you what they say.

Bob
 
If the springs were the problem, then the car would be lower at one corner when sitting still. Since your complaint only shows up under dynamic conditions, I would guess that the new shocks you bought do not match each other very well. At any rate, I would check them before blindly replacing springs.
 
Peter K, good point. Coil springs , TR4a Irs.

Was not planning to replace springs, only evaluating when they may not be performing.
Replacing lever shocks for vertical shock absorbers made a world of difference with the ride, in any road, and for the best. Thanks guys, good comments.
Robert
 
Back
Top