Lightning range extending with active ride height control

[ctuan13]

Mine was on a crown Vic, and we wound up just running with a spring swap kit. I’m not a big car person, so when stuff breaks it’s a hassle for me, not a “time to upgrade” thing, which I know a lot of people enjoy, and that’s cool. I see this is a mechanical system I think, which should be more reliable than air, but it’s just one more thing to fix when it breaks, and for me the whole electric idea was the get away from things that break, as misguided as that is.

Aww that's a shame! The panther platform (crown vic, grand marquis, town car) had by far the simplest air suspension system ever. I realize you aren't a mechanical person, but done yourself, it's by far the easiest air suspension system to service and the entire system can rebuilt for about 800 dollars. If only the air springs are bad, air springs and solenoids cost around 300.

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[Randall Stephens]

Aww that's a shame! The panther platform (crown vic, grand marquis, town car) had by far the simplest air suspension system ever. I realize you aren't a mechanical person, but done yourself, it's by far the easiest air suspension system to service and the entire system can rebuilt for about 800 dollars. If only the air springs are bad, air springs and solenoids cost around 300.

Yeah didn’t have the money at the time to do air again. I did do the intake manifold myself that time and decided I wasn’t going to work on that car myself anymore. The crash bracket took forever to remove and I still feel the phantom pain of leaning over working on it. I’m too old for that shit, I’ll pay the young ones to do that now.

 

[Steddingbear]

Spotted this Lightning at CES. It has a future concept product installed on it that is stated to extend the range of the Lightning. The model pictured here allows for ~40mm of travel. The system will automatically lower the vehicle depending on speed to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Improvement is not published on the information at the show but was stated at 10%. A set is installed on this test vehicle.

Sounds great. I’d like to see actual performance. As one member said it’s easy to claim a 10% range increase.

I’ve seen some threads about raising front suspension by 2” improving the truck. Not sure if this is just an esthetic or has any performance improvements?

Any thoughts?

 

[NW Ontario Ford Lightning]

There are good reasons that all vehicles aren't equipped with adjustable suspensions. It's expensive, maintenance intensive, unreliable compared to stock, adds weight and complexity and the efficiency gains aren't worth it.

WOW - they should market the lift to the DEALERS ! - they can offer it to customers at cost x 3, and solve the problem they have with maintenance - guarantee the Lightnings come back for service work !!

{It would be nice to have ride height adjustment.}

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