What's the main difference between Sport vs Non sport suspension?

[1995E]

I was told it was only stiffer springs but is there anything else that is different?

If it is only the springs than I could technically just buy the sport's struts and springs I'd have sport suspension correct or is there more to it than that?

 

[Sgt1411]

It is the AWD, EPAS, PTU, TMS, programming that's significantly different

The vehicle itself is 37% stiffer using cross bracing.

Look at the strut tower cross brace difference between Limited and Sport.

 

[explosportguy]

I was told it was only stiffer springs but is there anything else that is different?

If it is only the springs than I could technically just buy the sport's struts and springs I'd have sport suspension correct or is there more to it than that?

Hi 1995E, whoever told you that was misinformed. Here are some more details in addition to the info provided by Sgt :

Thanks to SR71 for putting together most of this info on the Sport differences. Check thread http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=429874l for more details. These are Sport versus XLT / Limited. No idea regarding the Platinum. Versus the XLT:

- Sport has quicker ratio steering (17-1 ratio ) = 2.7 turns - lock to lock
- Sport has modified EPAS programming
- Sport has a 4-point transmission tunnel brace + the front shock towers are tied together (front strut brace) = increased lateral stiffness = less body flex, better steering response and less tendency for structure born noise.
- Sport’s terrain management system is calibrated to allow 50 percent of the torque to flow to the rear axle in the conventional dry-road setting. XLT / Limited AWD in contrast passes a max of 35 percent to the rear.
- To handle the additional heat generated by the more aggressive torque distribution, the Sport power takeoff unit is water-cooled (pulls water from the main radiator cooling loop).
- The Sport suspension is optimized for handling with different springs, shocks, sway bars and bushings.
- The Sport suspension is lowered 20mm and the rear uses new "cross-axis" ball joints to improve cornering response.
- 20"x9" wheels on the Sport versus 20"x8.5" wheels on XLT

 

[pup5581]

I have never really seen the rear wheels get 50% of the power on the monitor when i put that on on my sport..but i am not going to trust that 100% anyways

 

[tsilney]

I have never really seen the rear wheels get 50% of the power on the monitor when i put that on on my sport..but i am not going to trust that 100% anyways

Hold the brake and give it some gas before you launch..shows mine go 50 50 front and rear..then backs off as speed and traction increases

 

[explosportguy]

Hold the brake and give it some gas before you launch..shows mine go 50 50 front and rear..then backs off as speed and traction increases

i've also seen 50/50 at launch and under some other circumstances but I haven't noted exactly when. I'll run some casual tests when I have a chance.

 

[Sgt1411]

I have never really seen the rear wheels get 50% of the power on the monitor when i put that on on my sport..but i am not going to trust that 100% anyways

That display is not always accurate, as I was informed by someone in the know.