how to improve the tr6 rear suspension

3 min read 12-01-2025

The Triumph TR6, a classic sports car, offers exhilarating driving but can be improved. One area ripe for upgrades is the rear suspension. Its leaf spring setup, while simple, can be harsh and lead to unpredictable handling. This article details ways to enhance your TR6's rear suspension for improved comfort, handling, and overall driving experience.

Understanding the TR6 Rear Suspension

The TR6's rear suspension uses semi-elliptic leaf springs. These springs, while robust, offer a less sophisticated ride than coil-over or other modern setups. This leads to a stiff, sometimes bouncy ride, and can impact handling, particularly on uneven surfaces. Understanding the limitations of the leaf spring system is the first step to improving it.

Limitations of Leaf Springs

Harsh Ride: Leaf springs are known for their stiff ride, transferring road imperfections directly to the chassis.
Limited Articulation: They don't articulate as smoothly as coil-overs, impacting traction and stability over bumps.
Weight Transfer: The leaf spring's rigidity can affect weight transfer during acceleration and braking.

Upgrading Your TR6's Rear Suspension

Several approaches exist to improve the TR6's rear suspension, each offering different benefits and levels of complexity.

1. Leaf Spring Enhancement

Before resorting to a complete overhaul, consider enhancing the existing leaf springs.

New Bushes and Shackles: Worn bushes and shackles contribute significantly to a harsh ride and poor handling. Replacing them with high-quality polyurethane or rubber components dramatically improves the suspension's feel.
Adding a Helper Spring: Installing a helper spring, properly chosen for your application, can reduce sag under load and improve spring rate. This will offer a slightly firmer and more controlled ride.

2. Converting to Coil-Over Conversion Kits

This is a more significant upgrade, but one that delivers a substantial improvement in handling and ride quality. Several reputable companies offer coil-over conversion kits specifically designed for the TR6.

Benefits of Coil-Overs: Coil-over conversions offer independent suspension, allowing each wheel to articulate independently. This leads to a significantly smoother, more controlled ride and improved handling.
Considerations: Coil-over conversions require more extensive work, often including modifications to the chassis. Thorough research and careful selection of a reputable kit are essential. Proper alignment is crucial after installation.

3. Upgraded Shocks (Dampers)

Regardless of whether you stick with leaf springs or convert to coil-overs, upgrading the shocks is crucial.

Why New Shocks Matter: Worn shocks contribute to a bouncy and uncontrolled ride, affecting both comfort and handling.
Shock Selection: Choose high-quality shocks designed for the TR6 or its weight and suspension type. Consider gas-charged shocks for improved damping and control.

4. Addressing Suspension Geometry

Beyond spring and shock upgrades, consider optimizing the suspension geometry.

Adjusting the Anti-Squat: The TR6’s rear suspension geometry affects how the car squats under acceleration and braking. Careful adjustment can significantly improve traction and handling. This is often done by shifting the placement of the shock absorbers or changing the length of the leaf springs or the location of their mounting points. This will require more advanced mechanical knowledge or the help of a professional.

Choosing the Right Upgrade Path

The best upgrade path depends on your budget, mechanical skills, and desired level of improvement.

Budget-Conscious: Replacing bushes, shackles, and shocks is a relatively affordable and effective way to improve the ride and handling.
Significant Upgrade: A coil-over conversion offers the most significant improvement, but requires more expertise and expense.

Conclusion

Improving the Triumph TR6 rear suspension can significantly enhance the driving experience. From simple maintenance like replacing worn bushes to a complete coil-over conversion, various options cater to different budgets and skill levels. Remember to prioritize safety and consult with experienced mechanics if needed, particularly for complex upgrades. By carefully considering the options and executing the chosen upgrades correctly, you can transform your TR6 into a more comfortable, controllable, and enjoyable classic sports car.