Same height, but better / firmer suspension?

[Toronto_Maverick]

Any luck T.O. Mav?

I ended up picking up a set of H&R sport springs this past weekend and they're sitting in the garage to be installed when the temps allow it (I don't feel like doing it in -10C temperatures).

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[kojack]

Your H&Rs are going to lower approx. 1.7 inches judging by previous experience running them on various other cars I have worked on. But they will most def. be stiffer.

 

[Ecorydr]

Had a similar roll issue with my '13 F150 edpecially when towing or heavy liad

.......
While I love the truck and look of it lowered, I feel like I would like to keep the same ride height...but just make it better / firmer / sportier / more planted.

Thanks!

Had similar thoughts on my '13 F150 but was due mostly due to heavy beds loads and towing. Ended up replacing the shocks with adjustable Bilsteins in front (leveling), dual path airbags in rear (leveling), and a aftermarket Hellwig swaybar. Hated the OEM electronic (brake) anti-sway nanny which just wore out the rear brakes thru use of the anti-lock braking system.

Made night and day difference towing/hauling heavy loads (not to mention extended rear brake life), and kept truck level and balanced at all times. One of the side benefits was bobtail (no haul/tow) performance...... made the truck handle exceptionally well on winding roads and windy hwy conditions. Also didnt really effect ride quality.... that got worse with going to stiffer belted tires for load handling.

Maybe a stiffer swaybar and bilsteins would do the trick with the Maverick.

 

[Toronto_Maverick]

Your H&Rs are going to lower approx. 1.7 inches judging by previous experience running them on various other cars I have worked on. But they will most def. be stiffer.

Perfect thanks. 1.7" isn't that much of a drop overall, and I'm looking for a firmer ride 100%.

 

[Toronto_Maverick]

Had a similar roll issue with my '13 F150 edpecially when towing or heavy liad

Had similar thoughts on my '13 F150 but was due mostly due to heavy beds loads and towing. Ended up replacing the shocks with adjustable Bilsteins in front (leveling), dual path airbags in rear (leveling), and a aftermarket Hellwig swaybar. Hated the OEM electronic (brake) anti-sway nanny which just wore out the rear brakes thru use of the anti-lock braking system.

Made night and day difference towing/hauling heavy loads (not to mention extended rear brake life), and kept truck level and balanced at all times. One of the side benefits was bobtail (no haul/tow) performance...... made the truck handle exceptionally well on winding roads and windy hwy conditions. Also didnt really effect ride quality.... that got worse with going to stiffer belted tires for load handling.

Maybe a stiffer swaybar and bilsteins would do the trick with the Maverick.

Wow thank you for that detailed info! Sounds a bit more expensive than I'm willing to go, but am considering the front and rear sway bars to firm it up and prevent body roll.

I'm not married to the H&R and if they're not what I'm looking for I'll take them out and try with GOODWIN.

 

[kojack]

Perfect thanks. 1.7" isn't that much of a drop overall, and I'm looking for a firmer ride 100%.

You will be treated to mini/go kart like handling with them. However, you will be treated to mini/go kart like ride quality too.

I have worked with Subaru Canada setting up their suspensions for their targa cars. I have some knowledge on the subject. Also built a few cars for said targa for others as well.

 

[Master Blaster]

Get a custom set of springs made. A good spring shop can get yours measure the rates etc and adjust accordingly. There is a spring shop in St. John's NL that does this, I am sure there are some around T.O. that does.

Custom variable-rate springs are very difficult to design correctly, so I would think it pretty unlikely that a custom spring shop would be able to do a better job than the factory units.

What may work better for those looking for softer springs would be a set of Escape springs out of the junkyard, that are quite a bit softer and a bit lower ride on the same platform as the Maverick.

 

[kojack]

Custom variable-rate springs are very difficult to design correctly, so I would think it pretty unlikely that a custom spring shop would be able to do a better job than the factory units.

What may work better for those looking for softer springs would be a set of Escape springs out of the junkyard, that are quite a bit softer and a bit lower ride on the same platform as the Maverick.

Tell that to Eibach, or the spring company that I am talking about. Both can custom design spring rates, ride heights etc based on needs and measurements. The factory ones are a compromise. Ride quality, ride height and overall performance is a compromise with anything from the automakers. Plus cost. They keep the cheapest possible for maximum profit. There is plenty of room for improvement from companies with knowledge.

EDIT: the front axles on the maverick are a prime example of compromise. Cheap units that they install to sell vehicles. If we go the Mav route we will be swapping out the axles on the truck for RCV custom units. I have them installed in a Jeep Custom lengthened LJ Rubicon and they are 100000 times better than factory/OEM.

 

[Bdesign]

you should test drive a Lobo and see if you like the ride- Lobo parts are reasonably priced

 

[kojack]

you should test drive a Lobo and see if you like the ride- Lobo parts are reasonably priced

Don't ford sell the Lobo suspension like they do the tremor?

 

[Toronto_Maverick]

You will be treated to mini/go kart like handling with them. However, you will be treated to mini/go kart like ride quality too.

I have worked with Subaru Canada setting up their suspensions for their targa cars. I have some knowledge on the subject. Also built a few cars for said targa for others as well.

Ooof that bad eh? I thought that was only for the super sport, not the sport as many reviews I read said the 'sport' was firmer, but not overly harsh.

I'll take my buddy's Mini out for a ride to check before I bother installing.

Otherwise I'll just post them back on FBMP and look for Goodwins.

Thank you! Love Subarus! Just wish the Ascent wasn't the only car that could fit our large family needs.

 

[Toronto_Maverick]

you should test drive a Lobo and see if you like the ride- Lobo parts are reasonably priced

Honestly I haven't considered even buying the suspension from the Lobo and putting it on my XLT.

I should research if it's the same mount points and is a direct bolt in replacement.

You think springs only? Or the full assemblies would be best?

 

[Bdesign]

Honestly I haven't considered even buying the suspension from the Lobo and putting it on my XLT.

I should research if it's the same mount points and is a direct bolt in replacement.

You think springs only? Or the full assemblies would be best?

everything- ford sells the complete setup

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