Softer Springs?

[Norman Tuck]

Hello All,

Has anyone ever tried to soften the ride of a TC? Not a good idea? Not possible?

Norman

[Steve Simmons]

Have you tried rebuilding your springs? A good cleaning and a coat of fresh grease between each leaf may give you a nicer ride. You could also use a lighter oil in the shock. I believe standard is approximately 20W. 15 may take a bit of the harshness out.

I've heard of people removing the small leaf but I don't know how it worked out for them.

[Rick Waters]

My suggestions are: Do NOT fit the polyurethane bushings in the shackles; go to 16 inch wheels and larger section tires; Do not expect miracles!!

[stephen stierman]

Just a couple of thoughts, are your dampers filled with fluid? If not the TC can be quite jarring. What sort of air pressure are you running in your tires, that will make a difference. Greasing the leaves would be a good thing. I honestly find mine to be not unpleasant with 30 lbs. in the tires, 30W motorcycle shock fluid in the dampers and well greased springs. Maybe softer than my Morgan and not any worse than my Miata. There really is only so much you can do given the vintage design without affecting the stance and general handling of the car.

[Robert Brennan]

Re: "Do NOT fit the polyurethane bushings in the shackles", please enlighten. What is the argument against? Thanks
Bob Brennan
S. Freeport, ME

[Steve Simmons]

I fitted poly bushings in my TC. Steering response was much improved over the old, slightly worn rubber ones. Ride quality was perhaps a little harsher but not much. I prefer them, but rubber will do a better job taking out road vibration and some of the harshness on large bumps.

[Norman Tuck]

Thanks Everyone,

I think that my L. Front shock has been leaking fluid. However, that corner doesn't seem to act any differently than the other 3 corners. I will add fluid there, however.
I thought that the ride would be softer with no fluid in the shock.
I run 28-30 lbs. air pressure.
I have sprayed the springs with every kind of lube/silicone that I have around. I'm sure that they need further work.
I'll keep going for the rest of the season and rebuild the shocks and work on lubing the springs during the winter.
If the ride of Steve Stierman's Miata is as harsh as his TC, I think that he has severe Miata problems.

Thanks, again, to all of you for chiming in.

Norman

[Henry Pang]

Hi Norman,
You may check with Doug Pelton of FTFU for his shock exchange program, I have all four of my shocks rebuild/exchange, and it work out great. I did the same, sprayed silicone on the springs for the last three years, and it work fine, and no dirt and dust on the springs either.

Cheers and enjoy the TC drive,
Henry

[stephen stierman]

Well the ride could be quite jarring if a damper is empty and just because it leaks does not mean it is empty, sometimes they will seep a bit. Certainly worth topping up. One has to keep in mind this is a pre war car running on beam axles with cart springs at each corner, although if the springs are well lubed and able to slide a bit on each other they should not be too bad. Have you had a chance to ride in another TC to compare?
Oh yes, I guess my Miata is firm also but perhaps better damped with a lot more wheel travel to absorb a poor surface!

[Rick Waters]

I fitted the polyurethane bushings and found that they do not deteriorate like the rubber bushings do. They do take some of the give out of the shackles, and so sharpen up the steering response. The side effect is that they transmit more road harshness to the car. On balance, I would fit them again.

When I re-built my TC suspension, I fitted new front springs, but before doing so, I chamfered the ends of the individual leaves, painted them, and greased them. At the rear, I carefully removed all corrosion from the leaves, painted them, and greased them.

I like the way the car rides and handles now--one of the reasons I bought it in the first place.