Explorer Sport vs the rest

[Elfiero]

can anyone tell me what Ford does different to the sport models to make them handle better? I’ve heard the sports are lowered, but I don’t know that to be fact.

 

[974X4BLACKSPORT]

Hande better? HaNDdle better than what?

 

[peterk9]

can anyone tell me what Ford does different to the sport models to make them handle better? I’ve heard the sports are lowered, but I don’t know that to be fact.

Among a few other things, it has a differently tuned suspension and sits slightly lower than the others. There are several posts on the differences in this Forum. Try using the 'Search' program in the upper right.

Peter

 

[Elfiero]

I did a search and I found out a couple differences. I will be buying a set of after-market lowering springs, and I have Forscan. Do you suppose a person could change to steering effort in a non-sport to mimic the sport? Here is what I'm after- ever since I got this Explorer, I feel like I am just floating down the road, completely disconnected from the world. I have the tires jacked up to 45 psi( 50 max on the sidewall), but it only helps a bit. I would prefer something a little more in touch with what's going on. I think Ford did too good of a job on this unibody as far as isolating it from the road. I wish someone offered larger sway bars but I haven't found any yet. Am I the only person that has noticed this?

 

[peterk9]

I don't recall another similar post here. I run my tires at the recommended 35 psi and the vehicle handles and ride just great. I have read several articles on over-inflating tires and they all seem to agree that while over-inflating tires may result in slightly increased MPG, the trade-off is faster wear, less stability and less grip. I don't know if the EPAS system can be changed or not. I don't believe that discussion has come up before. Are you still on the OEM Hankook tires? If so, I don't know if changing them might make any difference.
EDIT: Just saw this thread posted that you may want to keep an eye on;stock xlt 4x4 suspension/steering modification

Peter

 

[Kikinz24]

I did a search and I found out a couple differences. I will be buying a set of after-market lowering springs, and I have Forscan. Do you suppose a person could change to steering effort in a non-sport to mimic the sport? Here is what I'm after- ever since I got this Explorer, I feel like I am just floating down the road, completely disconnected from the world. I have the tires jacked up to 45 psi( 50 max on the sidewall), but it only helps a bit. I would prefer something a little more in touch with what's going on. I think Ford did too good of a job on this unibody as far as isolating it from the road. I wish someone offered larger sway bars but I haven't found any yet. Am I the only person that has noticed this?

I personally think the sport and piu rides harder than a base. From all that I have read the sport and piu have the same springs. Others have said the struts are different also which is not true I have both originals from a base and piu and are exact same stamps and all. Anyhow my piu rides so much harder than my wife's base. It handles better but comfort wise I like hers better for cruising around.

 

[KayGee]

I personally think the sport and piu rides harder than a base. From all that I have read the sport and piu have the same springs. Others have said the struts are different also which is not true I have both originals from a base and piu and are exact same stamps and all. Anyhow my piu rides so much harder than my wife's base. It handles better but comfort wise I like hers better for cruising around.

Just because the struts have the same markings on the outside doesn't mean they are the same inside. Have you cut a base and PIU strut apart and examined the internals?

I'd bet $2.48 that the rebound and damping is different between them.

Part numbers for the springs are different also for 2016 sport and PIU. Seems odd that Ford would do that if the parts were really the same.