Suspension differences - 2017 Sport/Platinum vs. XLT/Limited

[Eric F]

I have read in numerous older threads that the Sport has different suspension components than the other models, including different springs and a lower ride height. Yet, looking at the current specs for 2017s, all models have the same ground clearance, and 32mm front/22mm rear stabilizer bars. I'm not finding a different part number for Sport springs. It also appears that all models share the same front strut tower brace.

Does anyone know - for sure - what suspension components are different between the Sport/Platinum and the XLT/Limited? Is there really more to it than a difference in steering ratio, or is "sport tuned" mostly marketing?

 

[peterk9]

I just looked at the front suspension coil spring for the 2016 Limited and XLT and they are a different number (DB5Z-5310-G) compared to the 2016 Sport (DB5Z-5310-K). Didn't go any further.

Peter

 

[Eric F]

I just looked at the front suspension coil spring for the 2016 Limited and XLT and they are a different number (DB5Z-5310-G) compared to the 2016 Sport (DB5Z-5310-K). Didn't go any further.

Peter

Hmmm...I'll have to look again. I found all the same part numbers. Thanks.

People have previously mentioned that the Sport is lower than the XLT. However, ground clearance numbers don't support that claim. Maybe it's just a difference in spring rate on the Sport/Platinum.

 

[Eric F]

Poor research on my part regarding springs. As Peter found, there is a difference in springs. Also a difference in the struts and shocks. Stabilizer bars, links, and control arms are the same between all models, however.

 

[TxRanger351w]

Poor research on my part regarding springs. As Peter found, there is a difference in springs. Also a difference in the struts and shocks. Stabilizer bars, links, and control arms are the same between all models, however.

I assume this is true for 2011 - 2018 models since there's only been a cosmetic redesign. That being said, is it just a matter of ordering the springs and struts to get a "sport" suspension on a 14 LTD?

 

[chartquist]

@TxRanger351w don't forget about wheels and tires, which can have a huge effect on feel and handling. For 2014, I believe the XLT came with 245/60-18's whereas the Sport came with 255/50-20's. A shorter and/or stiffer sidewall will effectively increase the spring rate as well, so if you have the 18" tires, you would possibly need to go for a spring even stiffer than the Sport to have have the same feel.

 

[kmarnes]

This was on another thread and I agree, info is very limited. And someone posted on that thread, this amazing video from a Ford Engineer when they first introduced the 2013 Sport, which largely applies to the latest ones too. He goes through all the technical differences.

 

[TxRanger351w]

@TxRanger351w don't forget about wheels and tires, which can have a huge effect on feel and handling. For 2014, I believe the XLT came with 245/60-18's whereas the Sport came with 255/50-20's. A shorter and/or stiffer sidewall will effectively increase the spring rate as well, so if you have the 18" tires, you would possibly need to go for a spring even stiffer than the Sport to have have the same feel.

I have the 20" wheels. Just put yokohamas on recently, stayed pretty close to the factory size which think is 255/50 - 20

 

[bigtexan99]

If you drive a Sport, and then drive a non-Sport, the difference in Suspension can easily be felt.