- First Name
- Jason
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- Mar 31, 2021
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- Salt Lake City, UT
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- Mustang Mach-E
- Your Bronco Model
- Outer Banks
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- #1
After 9+ mos of waiting on Ford, I finally was able to purchase and install the new Ford Performance Shocks for non-SAS Broncos. The shocks are marketed as "...uniquely tuned and tested by Ford Performance Engineering to optimize ride and performance both Off- and On-Road" as well as "Approximately 2" of lift results in optimal ground clearance and approach/departure angles", and finally "Direct bolt-in replacement suspension package, improving both ride quality and stance of vehicle." The 2" of lift is right about where I wanted to get to as a non-SAS OBX model.
Even though they're bolt-on replacements, as a result of the 3 yr/36k warranty if installed by an ASE technician I took them to a local overlanding garage who did the install. Unfortunately I didn't take specific measurements on ground clearance before the install but the technician stated he measured 2". I think it's apparent from the pictures that is probably accurate, but I can take some after measurements if someone can provide a non-SAS OBX with stock Badlands wheels/tires starting measurements to compare with. Here is a before/after (the photo dimensions aren't perfect), but it should illustrate the difference in height and stance.
Takeaways after 4-5 days of driving:
If there are additional pictures or measurements anyone would like to me to provide just let me know. I'm travelling for work over the next few days but I'm sure by the weekend I could provide some updates.
Even though they're bolt-on replacements, as a result of the 3 yr/36k warranty if installed by an ASE technician I took them to a local overlanding garage who did the install. Unfortunately I didn't take specific measurements on ground clearance before the install but the technician stated he measured 2". I think it's apparent from the pictures that is probably accurate, but I can take some after measurements if someone can provide a non-SAS OBX with stock Badlands wheels/tires starting measurements to compare with. Here is a before/after (the photo dimensions aren't perfect), but it should illustrate the difference in height and stance.
Takeaways after 4-5 days of driving:
- Very happy with the on-road ride quality up to this point. The shocks seemed a little stiff straight out of the garage parking lot but I think they've broken-in quickly. My understanding based on the forum is OBX had the "softest" suspension of all the models so I don't necessarily think these new Ford Performance shocks are softer but they do seem to handle bumps more confidently with the huge 2.65" mono-tube.
- Love the amount of lift and the improved stance. Seems like it's lost the stock rake but I need to get under there and measure more specifically. I think the stock Badland 17s/33s now seem a little small for the lift and 35s will be in order when I replace the tires (which I should be able to support with 4.27 gearing), but I think the look is somewhat exaggerated because I am running the Ford after-market steel fenders that don't have any lip on them so there's more visibility into the wheel-well. I'll switch back to the painted fenders in the Spring.
- I haven't been able to take it off-road but I'm confident they're going to be noticeably superior to the stock OBX along with the improved clearance/angles.
If there are additional pictures or measurements anyone would like to me to provide just let me know. I'm travelling for work over the next few days but I'm sure by the weekend I could provide some updates.
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