2021 Select AWD SR Suspension Upgrade: Eibach anti-roll swaybars and Mach-E Rally springs

[K~Mae]

Being a member on this forum since 2022, this is my first post and had to share with the forum. Last week, I took a HUGE leap out of my comfort zone and made some drastic (for me) yet subtle changes on my car. I can’t thank @markboris., @IgorKl, and Simon T. enough for their hard work, support and patience with me. At 80k miles, my 2021 Select AWD looks and feels like a new car.

Took out the OEM swaybars and springs and upgraded them to Eibach anti-roll swaybars and Ford Rally Springs. The car rides smoother and handles better, I have even more confidence in taking bumper turns faster . It doesn’t eliminate the feel of the bumps, just doesn’t feel as hard anymore.

Removed the stock 18” wheels w/ Hankook ion EVO SUV AS 225/60R/18 tires and upgraded to 20” wheels w/ Hankook ion EVO AS 255/45R/20 tires and added purple caliper covers from EV Vida.

After driving this setup for a few days, I have noticed about a 20-mile drop in range. For a standard battery that is about 10% and is very noticeable. I am sure it is a toss between the faster highway speeds, as well as the larger size and weight of the tires. But my car is even more fun to drive so I guess I can’t complain . I will have to revisit the mileage concern once I’ve settled in and back to regular LA traffic conditions.. Also added a grille from BSKT which gives the car a totally new look.

Now the car sits up about an inch or so higher than before and is noticeable when parked next to an unmodified MME and standing between them. And the previous modifications on my car stand out even more so now, Front and Rear Lit Ponies and Rear Reflectors. This car is definitely special and I could not have found a better one for me or reflect my personality any other way!

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[markboris]

Keishia, I'm really happy how your car turned out and that you are so excited with it. After 4 years it's like having a different car! Besides the suspension work, your new wheels with the polished deep purple face is incredible to watch when the sun hits them as you drive. In the shade they look like regular black wheels. It's kind of amazing to watch. Those light purple caliper covers from EV-Vida really complement the deep purple wheels. AND the BSKT gray non-GT Grille really freshens up the front end! You were my 9th Rally spring install (including mine) and all of them are members!

It was really good to meet up with you for longer than just a few minutes at a cars and coffee like we have in the past. Also I want to say a big THANKS to Igor (IgorKl) because without his help, we would have been here late into the night with all the mods we did.

A few more photos:

 

[Gil McC]

Seems counterintuitive to have a "better ride" with the rally springs, been my experience that rally" means higher spring rates, thus a more controlled ride, but harsher...

 

[markboris]

Seems counterintuitive to have a "better ride" with the rally springs, been my experience that rally" means higher spring rates, thus a more controlled ride, but harsher...

Actually Rally cars have LOWER springs rates which prioritize a softer suspension to maintain tire contact over bumps and jumps. Softer springs are designed to handle large impacts and provide more suspension travel giving you a smoother ride.

The Mach-E has an extremely short suspension travel. 2 1/2" for non-GT and 2" for GT. With all that weight of the battery and such a short travel, they need stiff springs to keep the body from bottoming out. With the Rally springs being 1" higher (3 1/2" suspension travel) they can soften them up to give a better ride and will not bottom out. With that amount of suspension travel which is similar to more typical SUV's like the Escape (4" travel) and the Explorer (4 1/2" travel) the ride is more typical of an SUV however still a bit firm because they want it to be sporty.

Mach-E spring rates for non-GT are 205 lbs/in front and 885 lbs/in rear. GT's are 228 front, 970 rear. The Mach-E Rally springs are 183 front, 627 rear.

 

[GreaseMonkey]

Like getting a new car. Congrats on the new setup. I always had a preference for the matte plastic on the Mach-E vs the piano black. The car looks very nice with the grill and new wheels!

 

[Snakebitten]

Off-road suspension can often be increased travel and softer springs.

Think F150 vs Raptor, for example.

 

[Rowebotz]

Those upgrades sound pretty awesome!

Can you list the parts you used so I can reference them later?

Thanks in advance!

 

[markboris]

Those upgrades sound pretty awesome!

Can you list the parts you used so I can reference them later?

Thanks in advance!

Hey Browe, below are the parts used when doing this suspension mod:

Ford OEM Rally Springs: (need two each)
(2) RK9Z-5310-A (Front)
(2) RK9Z-5560-B (Rear)

Eibach Anti-Roll Sway Bar kit (front and rear)
(1) E40-35-054-01-11

Adjustable camber bolts: (to properly adjust front camber after spring install)
(1) SPC Performance 81280 EZ Cam XR 16mm Adjustable Bolts (Pair)

Grease for bushings in sway bars: (superior to grease supplied by Eibach)
(1) Green Grease NLGI #2

 

[K~Mae]

Keishia, I'm really happy how your car turned out and that you are so excited with it. After 4 years it's like having a different car! Besides the suspension work, your new wheels with the polished deep purple face is incredible to watch when the sun hits them as you drive. In the shade they look like regular black wheels. It's kind of amazing to watch. Those light purple caliper covers from EV-Vida really complement the deep purple wheels. AND the BSKT gray non-GT Grille really freshens up the front end! You were my 9th Rally spring install (including mine) and all of them are members!

It was also really good to meet up with you for longer than just a few minutes at a cars and coffee like we have in the past. Also I want to say a big THANKS to Igor (IgorKl) because without his help, we would have been here late into the night with all the mods we did.

A few more photos:

Thanks @markboris it was definitely a pleasure to hang out with you for a few days as opposed to a few moments. I am proud to be your #9 spring install, you made everything look so easy and I know it wasn’t. You are a great guy and I am so grateful to have met you, this EV community is amazing and has some awesome people in it. I can’t wait to explore more of the area and hopefully you wont be too busy working on installation #10, to hang out

 

[K~Mae]

Like getting a new car. Congrats on the new setup. I always had a preference for the matte plastic on the Mach-E vs the piano black. The car looks very nice with the grill and new wheels!

Thanks it feels like a new car ready for the next 80+k

 

[Rowebotz]

Thank you!!

 

[CaPhil]

Would the parts listed work for a 2021 Mache Premium RWD SR? If so, I assume the rear may ride slightly higher.

 

[markboris]

Would the parts listed work for a 2021 Mache Premium RWD SR? If so, I assume the rear may ride slightly higher.

These parts work for every trim on the Mach-E. I’ve installed them on every trim possible. The rear of every Mach-E is already slightly higher than the front on every trim. It will very slightly how much taller it is after installing the rally springs depending on the trim.

 

[mkhuffman]

Thanks it feels like a new car ready for the next 80+k

@markboris is a legend. He helped me and so, so many others.

Regarding your range drop, I think it is due to two factors:
1. New rims. I think this is the primary reason for the range reduction. They might be lighter, maybe. IDK. But definitely they are less aerodynamic. If they are heavier, your city efficiency is also impacted. Aero impacts higher speed driving (25 mph+), weight impacts stop and go driving.
2. Higher ride height. I think ride height has a minor impact, but a lower ride height is likely to be more efficient. So by raising the body, you probably increased air resistance.

The rolling resistance of the tires might be worse because of the lower profile, but I suspect it is very similar, since you got the same tires. BTW - I love those tires. I put them on my MME and saw a 7% range increase over the stock GT tires.

Your car looks amazing. Don't worry about the range hit! LOL.

 

[markboris]

@markboris is a legend. He helped me and so, so many others.

Regarding your range drop, I think it is due to two factors:
1. New rims. I think this is the primary reason for the range reduction. They might be lighter, maybe. IDK. But definitely they are less aerodynamic. If they are heavier, your city efficiency is also impacted. Aero impacts higher speed driving (25 mph+), weight impacts stop and go driving.
2. Higher ride height. I think ride height has a minor impact, but a lower ride height is likely to be more efficient. So by raising the body, you probably increased air resistance.

The rolling resistance of the tires might be worse because of the lower profile, but I suspect it is very similar, since you got the same tires. BTW - I love those tires. I put them on my Mach-E and saw a 7% range increase over the stock GT tires.

Your car looks amazing. Don't worry about the range hit! LOL.

Thanks Mike for the kind words.

Keishia's range drop like you said mainly has to do with the wheels. Pretty much all aftermarket wheels are less aerodynamic than OEM's because of their large open design. A little has to do with the 1" ride height and then there is the temperature which has just dropped quite a bit here in CA in the last week.

Her car does look amazing. Between the new deep purple wheels and the BSKT GT grille, it's like a new ride for her.

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