Softening sport suspension

[mfiver]

A friend of mine is looking at a used Saphire 2005 4.4 Sport with the 19" wheel package. He loves the look of the 19's, the shadowline trim, sport package etc, but thinks the ride is just a little too harsh for his wife's preference.

Is there a way to slightly soften the ride?

- How about changing from the sport shocks to standard shocks? Would that change things much, or would the stiffer springs and sway bars still keep things firm?

Thanks!

[oQuockYo]

I have the same exact problem. my X is just way too bouncy. anyone has any suggestions?

[TQ2K]

Much of the harshness is really in the front and swapping the front shocks and springs will definitely soften the ride.

[Boston X5 4.4]

Originally Posted by mfiver

A friend of mine is looking at a used Saphire 2005 4.4 Sport with the 19" wheel package. He loves the look of the 19's, the shadowline trim, sport package etc, but thinks the ride is just a little too harsh for his wife's preference.

Is there a way to slightly soften the ride?

- How about changing from the sport shocks to standard shocks? Would that change things much, or would the stiffer springs and sway bars still keep things firm?

Thanks!

Seeing as he hasn't bought it yet just look for a non-sport with 18's. Easier than changing out susp. parts IMO. There should be lot of off lease '05's out there.

[fast4d]

you have comfort seats? it'll soften the ride.

[jwilburn]

Just bite it and trade in for smaller wheels. Thats what I am looking into now.

[mfiver]

I test drove a 2001 4.4 Sport with 19" wheels and a 2002 4.4 Sport with 18" wheels before buying my 2004 4.4 Sport with 19" wheels.

The 2001 Sport with 19" wheels and the 2002 Sport with 18" wheels rode very similiar. I really couldn't detect much difference between the 18's and 19's.

My 2004 with 19's is much stiffer than either the 2001 or 2002 I drove. Were their any suspension changes that year? I thought I remember hearing the Sport suspensions actually got "less harsh" as the models years progressed, so my experiecne is opposite of what I have heard.

Anyone have the facts on year to year changes in suspension calibrations?

[phil47]

Originally Posted by mfiver

I test drove a 2001 4.4 Sport with 19" wheels and a 2002 4.4 Sport with 18" wheels before buying my 2004 4.4 Sport with 19" wheels.

The 2001 Sport with 19" wheels and the 2002 Sport with 18" wheels rode very similiar. I really couldn't detect much difference between the 18's and 19's.

My 2004 with 19's is much stiffer than either the 2001 or 2002 I drove. Were their any suspension changes that year? I thought I remember hearing the Sport suspensions actually got "less harsh" as the models years progressed?

Anyone have the facts on year to year changes in suspension calibrations?

My experience is the exact opposite. A friend and I carpool to work. He has a 2003 4.4i sport and I have a 2005 4.4i sport which both use 19" wheels with Michelin Diamaris rubber. The difference is very noticable and we both have the same view. My 2005 is less stiff and less bouncy.

I believe in past threads that it was confirmed that the sport suspension was modified for MY2004-2006 with the result being a less harsh ride...

[alexz]

Originally Posted by mfiver

A friend of mine is looking at a used Saphire 2005 4.4 Sport with the 19" wheel package. He loves the look of the 19's, the shadowline trim, sport package etc, but thinks the ride is just a little too harsh for his wife's preference.

Is there a way to slightly soften the ride?

- How about changing from the sport shocks to standard shocks? Would that change things much, or would the stiffer springs and sway bars still keep things firm?

Thanks!

Have him replace his wife!

[Boston X5 4.4]

Originally Posted by alexz

Have him replace his wife!

Best advice yet