Talk to me about suspension upgrade paths/options

[Anthony H Williams]

2013 MKS eb. Considering some performance and suspension upgrades. but nothing radical - I am not going to the track. I am planning on MAP 3bar upgrade, better plugs, maybe a few other things. Already have a K&N filter, much better brakes and tires. Would like to get more out of the turbos, maybe.

I have started to read threads about suspension upgrades but then they tend to degrade into side conversations and never seem to get to a basic approach to suspension upgrades.

Can someone point to a thread or two that cover basic suspension upgrades? Once I start getting more performance out of the engine, what are the straightforward suspension upgrades? 25mm rear and 22mm front sway bars seem to be a good thing. If I do that, what else should be at the same time? I do want to maintain some semblance of the interstate cruiser comfort that ths car has, so I am not looking to turn it into a buckboard. Just looking for reasonable suspension upgrades that will be in line with some additional performance.

 

[studio460]

I recently purchased a bone-stock 2019 Taurus SHO with included performance package (PP). Here is what I decided:

According to owner reports, the H&R coils give the car about a 1.5" drop but increase ride harshness. Also, I don't think they're recommended for non-PP suspension set-ups. The forum seems split about 50/50 whether the ride is too harsh. Some say the H&Rs smooth out after a few thousand miles and are very tolerable; though, one member here says his H&R-equipped SHO now "rides like a tank." I figured that the stock PP-suspension is fairly decent already, and although I would much prefer the lowered ride-height, both for appearance and for its improved CG, I don't think I'm willing to give up long-excursion ride comfort.

Additionally, there are at least two manufacturers who make Taurus/Flex-specific coil-over sets, but installing these in addition to the H&Rs I fear may completely rob the vehicle of all ride comfort.

As I've saiid, the suspension on my BMW i3s (the 's' indicates a performance-suspension upgrade) is very tight and provides the car with superb handling—nice and tight with a lot of road-feel, but not too jarring. If a SHO PP + H&Rs is no worse, I'd take it. Since every person's tolerance is different, there's really no way of knowing if it's "too jarring" or "okay." What I may do is just pay to have the H&Rs installed and if I find them too harsh, just pay to have the factory springs put back.

For brakes, the only six-piston performance option appears to be the Wilwoods (also available for my now-junked 2003 Marauder). However I find their engraved logo-design so unattractive, they're not an option for me. I did buy some custom-machined brackets for my Marauder which would've allowed me to mount Porche/Corvette calipers (can't recall which), but they likely won't fit this platform. So, for now at least, I went with PowerStop drilled/slotted rotors and the Ford factory pads made for the PP (both, recommended here by one of the more expert members).

I'll likely definitely add the beefier front and rear anti-sway bars since they're affordable and relatively easy to install. For exhaust, I went with the MRT axle-back in black—currently on sale and reasonably priced at $679 with chrome-tips, or add $150 for black-tips. These are likely the total mods I will make to the car's suspension and exhaust. I definitely plan order a custom SCT-tune, and may someday install the ceramic-coated downpipes (best bang-for-the-buck performance mod according to several here), and possibly, an upgraded torque-converter, but that's about it.

Also, my goals for the car have changed slightly. I plan on getting a fully equipped 2024 Mustang GT 5.0, with the magnetic-suspension if available, so the new Pony car will be my go-to performance vehicle, and the SHO will be the relax-and-take-a-long-drive touring machine. The SHO is also there for when I need a four-wheel-drive vehicle for the occasional snowy mountain jaunt.

 

[Ta2dResqr]

I had a SHO with H&R. I now have a second show. I have not even looked at or priced a set of springs for this SHO. I drive 100+ miles a day and never track the car. Take that as you wish.

 

[studio460]

I had a SHO with H&R. I now have a second show. I have not even looked at or priced a set of springs for this SHO. I drive 100+ miles a day and never track the car. Take that as you wish.

Yeah, it's this kind of post which gives me pause on getting the H&Rs; then, you'll stumble on other members' posts where they're perfectly happy with them. The lowered CG and the appearance upgrade are both huge draws for me—it's very tempting. To the OP, as far as I've gathered for the members here, there are four options [corrections made]:

1. SHO non-PP/PP + Whiteline rear anti-sway bar.
2. SHO PP: H&R springs + Whiteline rear anti-sway bar.
3. SHO PP: Megan Racing springs + Megan Racing coil-overs + Whiteline rear anti-sway bar.
4. SHO PP: Swift or BC Racing springs + BC Racing coil-overs for Ford Flex + Whiteline rear anti-sway bar.

Option 4 seems most extreme, and option 3 still seems a recipe for a harsh ride. I'm definitely doing option 1, but still deciding option 2. AMR Engineering coil-overs have also been mentioned here, but I can't find any information on them; i.e., their website (amrengineering.com) doesn't resolve and their last post on their Facebook page was August of 2020.

 

[Jeff Dixon]

2013 MKS eb. Considering some performance and suspension upgrades. but nothing radical - I am not going to the track. I am planning on MAP 3bar upgrade, better plugs, maybe a few other things. Already have a K&N filter, much better brakes and tires. Would like to get more out of the turbos, maybe.

I have started to read threads about suspension upgrades but then they tend to degrade into side conversations and never seem to get to a basic approach to suspension upgrades.

Can someone point to a thread or two that cover basic suspension upgrades? Once I start getting more performance out of the engine, what are the straightforward suspension upgrades? 25mm rear and 22mm front sway bars seem to be a good thing. If I do that, what else should be at the same time? I do want to maintain some semblance of the interstate cruiser comfort that ths car has, so I am not looking to turn it into a buckboard. Just looking for reasonable suspension upgrades that will be in line with some additional performance.

X2 industries does an air bag kit as an option for both ride quality and performance and yellowspeed racing does a big brake kit for the xsport which will fit our platform

 

[Anthony H Williams]

Yeah, it's this kind of post which gives me pause on getting the H&Rs; then, you'll stumble on other members' posts where they're perfectly happy with them. The lowered CG and the appearance upgrade are both huge draws for me—it's very tempting. To the OP, as far as I've gathered so far, there are four options:

1. SHO non-PP/PP + Whiteline front and rear anti-sway bars.
2. SHO PP: H&R springs + Whiteline front and rear anti-sway bars.
3. SHO PP: Megan Racing springs + Megan Racing coil-overs + Whiteline front and rear anti-sway bars.
4. SHO PP: Swift or BC Racing springs + BC Racing coil-overs for Ford Flex + Whiteline front and rear anti-sway bars.

Option 4 seems most extreme, and option 3 still seems a recipe for a harsh ride. I'm definitely doing option 1, but still deciding option 2. AMR Engineering coil-overs have also been mentioned here, but I can't find any information on them; i.e., their website (amrengineering.com) doesn't resolve and their last post on their Facebook page was August of 2020.

I will start with option 1 and see how that performs. Thanks!

 

[studio460]

X2 industries does an air bag kit as an option for both ride quality and performance and yellowspeed racing does a big brake kit for the xsport which will fit our platform

Awesome! I would love some big brakes for my SHO. But once on their site, I don't see a pull-down for our cars—which model is the "XSport" from?

 

[studio460]

X2 industries does an air bag kit as an option for both ride quality and performance and yellowspeed racing does a big brake kit for the xsport which will fit our platform

Woah! That looks very nice! My Marauder came with adjustable rear air-suspension from the factory. I wonder where this tank is supposed to go?

 

[Bluezone]

I'll throw in my two cents.
As far as I know the 13 and up EcoBoost MKS came with the electronically adjustable shocks front and rear. If you still have these keep them they actually are supposed to work quite well. If they're worn out replace them with the same. Otherwise try the following.
From what I've seen from experimenting with suspension pieces. Keep the stock front Springs and add SHO or s h o performance pack rear springs. Make sure your rear shocks and front struts are in good shape. I would add performance pack rear shocks if you can locate them. This is assuming you are deleting the factory adjustable front and rear shocks. As far as I'm aware of white line does not offer a front sway bar. They felt it was beefy enough.
The factory front sway bar on the performance pack is actually thinner than the regular SHO sway bar. The reason for keeping the factory front Springs, is to soften the front suspension in order to compensate for the thicker front sway bar. The softer front Springs or the thinner performance pack front sway bar improved turn in and provide a more neutral cornering stance. As far as I know the jury's out on the adjustment of the white line rear sway bar. Some people prefer the middle setting. I prefer the hard setting. Has this improves rear roll stiffness, so as to provide a more neutral to tail out handling feel.
I'm oversimplifying this description just to make it understandable.

 

[studio460]

Thanks for the correction on the Whiteline anti-sway bar—interesting back-story, too. Also, your post prompts the reverse query: Can the MKS adjustable shocks be installed on a Gen.4 SHO? Thanks for the info!

 

[Mahu24]

I have a 2016 SHO PP, came with H&R springs when I bought it, and they ride alright. They're definitely harsher than stock but not too harsh IMO. I also have the whiteline rear sway bar, makes a big difference in stability at higher speeds.

Definitely upgrade your sway bar links, I 100% recommend the TTX links, they're well known in the truck community for great ball joints, and that's exactly what's on each end of our links. They're way tougher than OEM and greasable.

 

[studio460]

Definitely upgrade your sway bar links, I 100% recommend the TTX links, they're well known in the truck community for great ball joints, and that's exactly what's on each end of our links. They're way tougher than OEM and greasable.

Thanks—good to know! Yes, on the Whiteline—just ordered it moments ago using their $20 discount code. The TTX-links: Do you mean these: Mevotech TTX Suspension Stabilizer Link Kit TXMS86850? If not, can you share a part no./source?

Also saw some Eibach end-links, but the site said they don't fit the Taurus. I had Eibach front-springs on my Marauder (rears came with factory air-suspension), and had installed Metco billet-aluminum rear control-arms on it, also greaseable, which were a 1,000% more robust than the thin, stamped-metal factory control-arms that I literally tore apart at about 80K miles.

 

[Texas Marauder]

 

[Bluezone]

Thanks for the correction on the Whiteline anti-sway bar—interesting back-story, too. Also, your post prompts the reverse query: Can the MKS adjustable shocks be installed on a Gen.4 SHO? Thanks for the info!

You need the supporting Electronics and wiring in order to make the MKS shocks work on the SHO. I suppose anything is possible but I don't think this is one of those things.

 

[studio460]

Yeah, I figured as much—thanks! I got my Whiteline anti-roll bar yesterday—boy, do they ship fast. My MRT Black Ops exhaust arrived last week. Anxious to get both installed; though, can't put the exhaust in until I figure out what Helmholtz-resonator to get.

Also still need to order the Mevotech end-links—thanks, TM!

 

[studio460]

Mevotech "TTX" ball-joints/end-links:

View attachment 86964

Hey, thanks a lot for posting that! These ball-joints do seem like something pretty special. I don't see a way to order directly from Mevotech. Should I just order these from Summit Racing? Thanks again!

 

[Texas Marauder]

Mevotech "TTX" ball-joints/end-links:



Hey, thanks a lot for posting that! These ball-joints do seem like something pretty special. I don't see a way to order directly from Mevotech. Should I just order these from Summit Racing? Thanks again!

I'd just search the part numbers for price and availability

 

[Mahu24]

Thanks—good to know! Yes, on the Whiteline—just ordered it moments ago using their $20 discount code. The TTX-links: Do you mean these: Mevotech TTX Suspension Stabilizer Link Kit TXMS86850? If not, can you share a part no./source?

Also saw some Eibach end-links, but the site said they don't fit the Taurus. I had Eibach front-springs on my Marauder (rears came with factory air-suspension), and had installed Metco billet-aluminum rear control-arms on it, also greaseable, which were a 1,000% more robust than the thin, stamped-metal factory control-arms that I literally tore apart at about 80K miles.

My bad didn't see this. Yes those are the links. Just order them off rock auto to save some cash.
I wish we had a billet aluminum rear control arm option. Especially since I want to go to coilovers eventually which will negate the massive size of the factory ones

 

[Mahu24]

Yeah, I figured as much—thanks! I got my Whiteline anti-roll bar yesterday—boy, do they ship fast. My MRT Black Ops exhaust arrived last week. Anxious to get both installed; though, can't put the exhaust in until I figure out what Helmholtz-resonator to get.

Also still need to order the Mevotech end-links—thanks, TM!

How do you like the MRT mufflers? I want to get some. Just can't justify the cost at the moment

 

[studio460]

How do you like the MRT mufflers? I want to get some. Just can't justify the cost at the moment

I love them! Caution: HUGE amount of drone on my otherwise unmodified exhaust. I would recommend a Hemholtz resonator to tone them down. From about 1,500-2,300RPM, the drone is insanely there. But of course, I don't particularly mind! My only complaint is that they could be louder, but they add a deep, ultra-low frequency rumble at cold-start/idle and a beautiful gurgle (but no backfire) on downshift.

The installer had to perform some kind of unknown magic to fit because, oddly, the bend-angle isn't correct for factory 2019 SHO exhaust (about 20°-30° off). He also had to de-weld/re-weld the hangers since they weren't in the correct position either (too far to the center of the car). But the shop did a beautiful job of adjusting the tips to show a bit more tail than the factory tips.

Note: I ordered the "Black Ops" version, but only the tips are black—I spray-painted the mufflers themselves prior to install with VHT high-temperature paint.