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Shock replacement for Lowering application

Started by jeff clawson, January 09, 2016, 11:26:31 AM

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jeff clawson

Hi, I'm new to this forum so please forgive me if this has been covered.

I recently lowered my 2014 SHO PP with the H&R lowering springs. Love the stance but the ride seems somewhat jiggly/bouncy to me. I have searched all over for a replacement shock that will work in concert with the lowered suspension but can not find any shocks designed for my car.

So far I have looked at Bilstein, Tokico, Koni, KYB and while they offer shocks for use with a lowered suspension, it looks like nobody makes them for the 2014 SHO.

After some searching, it seems like most owners of late-model SHOs who have lowered their cars are satisfied with the ride quality(?). Since my car has the performance (track) package, the consensus seems to be that the heavier-duty shocks I have should work just fine. My car has under 20K miles on it so I don't believe wear is the issue. Maybe I'm just being too picky...

Thoughts? I am willing to "spring" (ha ha) for some coil-overs if that would provide a refined ride along with the lowered stance. I was hearing that Megan does not thus far offer a coil-over for my car. Does anyone know if this has changed?

Thanks in advance!
2014 Taurus SHO, PP, H&R lowering springs

Vortech347

You're not being picky.  Anytime you lower the car the spring rate must be stiffened to prevent more movement of the suspension since lower it removes the available travel.   Its just a fact.  It will ride more firm.  There are very few options out there to dial in the suspension on these cars correctly. As you've discovered springs are only a fraction of a correctly setup suspension.
Matt H.
2013 SHO Performance Pack, Daily, AJPTurbo tuned
2003 SVT Cobra 497rwhp/491rwtq, Self tuned, Cruiser
1990 Mustang GT 570rwhp/530twtq, Self tuned, Open Track
2017 F150 XLT 5.0

SHOdded

Did you get an alignment done after the springs were installed?  Any other noises when you are driving, or when turning the steering wheel left/right?  If there are any clicks or pops, the springs may not be seated properly.  Closely check the shocks for any fluid leakage, they (OEM) have been known to go bad.

And welcome, Jeff, to the community.  Be sure to post an intro thread here:
http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/board,14.0.html
2007 Ford Edge SEL, Powerstop F/R Brake Kit, TXT LED 6000K Lo & Hi Beams, W16W LED Reverse Bulbs, 3BSpec 2.5w Map Lights, 5W Cree rear dome lights, 5W Cree cargo light, DTBL LED Taillights

If tuned:  Take note of the strategy code as you return to stock (including 3 bar MAP to 2 bar MAP) -> take car in & get it serviced -> check strategy code when you get car back -> have tuner update your tune if the strategy code has changed -> reload tune -> ENJOY!

jeff clawson

Thanks for the replies!

Must say I love my car. That's why I am probing for improvements that will help make it unique, and improve performance. Since I am 56 yo I am pretty conservative about modding my stuff, not really willing to void my warranty at this point in time.

I had a reputable shop install the springs, and had to take it back once to get the rears in spec. They were able to get the alignment into factory spec (barely). No noises or nastiness, and the jiggly situation is not severe, but noticeable nonetheless.

To the suspension issue, would a custom shop be able to fit dampers not designed for this car? I imagine something like that would be possible. Honestly, it would be nice to have the ride height 1/2" taller (front) maybe keep the rear as is. I was initially looking at the Eibach springs, but was not able to source them so I went with the H&R. I wonder if I can find a competent shop to install some coil-overs from maybe a Mustang (??) or even a similar sized (big) performance car...

Any thoughts or collaboration is much appreciated! Thanks again... JC
2014 Taurus SHO, PP, H&R lowering springs

3kgtSL91

i am in the same boat. i installed my springs this summer and just found out that my shocks are blown... looking for options and can't find anything
2015 Ford Taurus SHO

SHOdded

2007 Ford Edge SEL, Powerstop F/R Brake Kit, TXT LED 6000K Lo & Hi Beams, W16W LED Reverse Bulbs, 3BSpec 2.5w Map Lights, 5W Cree rear dome lights, 5W Cree cargo light, DTBL LED Taillights

If tuned:  Take note of the strategy code as you return to stock (including 3 bar MAP to 2 bar MAP) -> take car in & get it serviced -> check strategy code when you get car back -> have tuner update your tune if the strategy code has changed -> reload tune -> ENJOY!

CroR1

I saw an add on eBay, B C coilovers for 10-15 SHO. Usually BC and Megan go hand to hand, although i think that BC's price is way up there. But from looking at different cars, B C does come down in price over time. Anyway, I wonder how they managed to connect 10-15, unless they provide different mounts upon purchase.