Raising / lowering the Mach-E clearance

Plutoman15

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There has been a little discussion concerning this topic but mostly mixed with other subjects. After the thread on getting stuck in the snow and the fact that I live on a mile long stone driveway, I think a little more clearance would be a benefit.

What are the concerns and possibility of lifting the Mache 1-2 inches? I am getting a GT later this year that I will not be using on a track. So if I am not concerned about max cornering ability, what are the drawbacks to raising it a little? would it be easy to do?
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Plutoman15

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I know nothing about lifting vehicles so no idea how. I have just read and seen that for at least most vehicles it can be done. given how flat the bottom is, it would seem just an inch or 2 would make the difference between getting stuck in 6 inches of snow versus getting through just fine.

Not looking to change wheel size or anything like that, just an inch or 2.

(Great pic find of a GT ?)
 

Jimrpa

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If you thought the “it’s not a Mustang!” crowd was upset when the SUV came out, wait until they see the Mustang Mach E El Ranchero King Ranch! ????
 


GoGoGadgetMachE

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If you thought the “it’s not a Mustang!” crowd was upset when the SUV came out, wait until they see the Mustang Mach E El Ranchero King Ranch! ????
12 yards long, 2 lanes wide,
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Plutoman15

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I just don’t want to drag across speed bumps. I went over one the other day that makes me concerned for the Mach-e. If it is 5 inches sitting still, what is it when it bounces down just a little? 3”?
 

phidauex

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The standard MachE's have 5.7" of ground clearance, and the GT has 5.3". Those are both higher than my Prius at 4.9", or my previous Saab 92X which started with 5.9" and I lowered to ~4.9". I drive those vehicles all over CO, including some places that you wouldn't think you should take such a car. I haven't measured my Tacoma, which is suspension lifted and on taller pizza cutter tires, but I think it is in the 13" range.

That said, a little ground clearance goes a long way. You may not think an inch sounds like much, but when it comes to clearing an obstacle "miss by a mm, miss by a mile". If you clear one low spot then that might save your whole trip.

The cheapest way to add clearance would be a larger tire. Tire diameter is best because it raises all parts of the car, not just the suspended components. However, you probably can't fit much more tire in there. The strategy on high clearance expedition vehicles is usually to add as much tire as you can, and only add suspension lift if you can't fit enough tire. Suspension lift on its own is less useful.

Something like a 235/55/R19 would probably fit on stock 19" rims, and likely clear the wheel wells (no promises), add 0.4" of ride height (takes you to 6.1"), and includes some properly load rated options like the Blizzak DM-V2 (https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...R9DMV2XL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes).

Ford Mustang Mach-E Raising / lowering the Mach-E clearance 1616721235699


If that wasn't enough, my guess is that springs would be next. You might be able to add 0.75" of spring height (preferably with new springs, not blocks), but the important thing to remember is that suspension lifts like that don't change the total up/down swing available, they just change the neutral position in that range. So you'd raise the vehicle, but reduce the amount of downward swing available, which would have negative handling implications.

But hey, slightly taller springs and slightly taller tires could probably get you to something like 6.7-7", and are likely to succeed (though whoever does it first will have to be the guinea pig) without other modifications like new suspension arms, or taking material out of the fender wells. That isn't "SUV" territory but it gets a lot closer.

All of this would have a negative impact on range - the reason my Prius and the MachE are so low is aerodynamics. Going taller adds weight, rotational mass and reduces aerodynamics.

Thoughts?
 
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phidauex

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Going one step further... 235/65/R18 would require changing wheels, but gets you 0.62", and opens up some sweet tires like this Toyo Open Country (correct load rating!):

Ford Mustang Mach-E Raising / lowering the Mach-E clearance 1616721430227

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Toyo&tireModel=Open+Country+A/T+III&partnum=365TR8OCAT3XL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

This would almost certainly require minor modifications to the car - fender wall clearance is likely to be an issue, and possibly fender lip. A suspension lift would help clear it, but wouldn't guarantee that you'd never touch, because under full compression your axle is right back where it would have been on stock full compression. But fun to think about!

EDIT: In all these cases, forget wide tires. Think "rally car" - tall and thin to maximize clearance. You don't need fat offroad anyway unless you are on the beach.
 

sockmeister

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Going one step further... 235/65/R18 would require changing wheels, but gets you 0.62", and opens up some sweet tires like this Toyo Open Country (correct load rating!):

Ford Mustang Mach-E Raising / lowering the Mach-E clearance 1616721430227

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Toyo&tireModel=Open+Country+A/T+III&partnum=365TR8OCAT3XL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

This would almost certainly require minor modifications to the car - fender wall clearance is likely to be an issue, and possibly fender lip. A suspension lift would help clear it, but wouldn't guarantee that you'd never touch, because under full compression your axle is right back where it would have been on stock full compression. But fun to think about!

EDIT: In all these cases, forget wide tires. Think "rally car" - tall and thin to maximize clearance. You don't need fat offroad anyway unless you are on the beach.
True... But it's a mustang! It's supposed to have, like, fat M/T drag radials, and skinnies up front :)
 

Shogga

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Delta4x4 / a German offroader aftermarket part company will develop an Liftkit for the Mach-E!
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