ford-boy Posted December 8, 2018 Share Posted December 8, 2018 Is there any way of finding out what the spring rates are for my 2014 Flex? Some mags used to provide that info in their road test article in the 60's. I'm specifically wondering why my Flex feels so FIRM. F-150's feel like a limo by comparison. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YT90SC Posted December 10, 2018 Share Posted December 10, 2018 What size wheel combo and what tire are installed? Tires and wheel combo make HUGE differences on Flex. As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the wheel, the crappier it will ride. This is due to several factors *unrelated* to spring rate. First is sidewall height. Generally, lower side wall height reduces the ability of the tire to flex and absorb road force. Add to that, the bigger tires' compound is usually harder as well, further increasing road feel. Second, the big rims weigh more. This is referred to as unsprung weight. The higher the unsprung weight, the worse the ride quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ford-boy Posted December 11, 2018 Author Share Posted December 11, 2018 I understand all that you say, but it's very difficult to get any deflection of spring while at rest. The parts guy told me there are 5 DIFFERENT part #'s that apply to my 2014 Flex and if a spring were needed I'd have to supply a VIN to get the correct one. My tires are 235/60x18. I was curious to know what the differences are for my vehicle and if there are softer/harder springs that were fitted to 2014 Flexes. Specifically, what are the spring rates? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted December 11, 2018 Share Posted December 11, 2018 Springs are usually affected by the engine weight, wheel weight and overall vehicle weight with options. You're probably not going to find the actual spring rates. If you want softer springs then I would see what is spec'd out for the base model with the lightest engine and wheels with no heavy options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazerdude20 Posted December 13, 2018 Share Posted December 13, 2018 On 12/11/2018 at 1:01 PM, akirby said: Springs are usually affected by the engine weight, wheel weight and overall vehicle weight with options. You're probably not going to find the actual spring rates. If you want softer springs then I would see what is spec'd out for the base model with the lightest engine and wheels with no heavy options. To that end, since you will apparently need a vin to get different (softer) springs, I would find a base model 2014 flex with the same drive train you have (AWD/FWD). Copy the vin down and try those out. I’m kind of surprised your flex rides stiff. Ours and every other I’ve been in ride very soft. I’d maybe also drive said base model flex to see how the ride feels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ford-boy Posted December 13, 2018 Author Share Posted December 13, 2018 Mine was ordered with the tow package. I asked if there were ANY other changes to the car other than the receiver and related elec hookup. Apparently, there are other changes...... springs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted December 13, 2018 Share Posted December 13, 2018 I haven’t seen springs listed as being different with the tow package but it’s possible. You could go to fordparts.com or tascaparts.com and look up the springs for your flex and see what’s in the description of each one (AWD, FWD, w/tow, w/o tow, etc. Worth a shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YT90SC Posted December 13, 2018 Share Posted December 13, 2018 With the 18's it should ride pretty darn well. Again I ask.. what tires? Are you running the pressures listed on the door? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ford-boy Posted December 15, 2018 Author Share Posted December 15, 2018 Tires are Firestone Destination and always at correct pressure, sometimes low enough for "low pressure" warning. Tasca parts lists 2 different springs for this vehicle and I'm guessing that mine has the firmest. Thanks for opinions and help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schpark Posted December 16, 2018 Share Posted December 16, 2018 I have a 2013 FWD Flex with the tow package and 18's and I think it rides and handles like a dream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chucky2 Posted December 16, 2018 Share Posted December 16, 2018 We have a 2014 Flex SEL, FWD, tow package, ride is pretty firm as well. I can't tell if it's the shitty OE tires (I think we have same tire size) or just a very firm suspension - possibly due to towing package? Parents had a 2012 Taurus Limited FWD, that came with 19s. That ride too was more 'Euro' but still not as stiff as the Flex. We got the Flex for the long almost daily medical trips and after a while my dad actually preferred taking the 2000 Expedition Eddie Bauer with well over 200k on it. Yes the ride was way more bouncy due to stock suspension not being able to control the vehicle properly, but the bumps from our fabulous Illinois roads were markedly smoothed out. Living in IL, F the Euro ride is all I can say... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ford-boy Posted December 16, 2018 Author Share Posted December 16, 2018 Yes. Don't know if it's the tow package that, IMHO, makes the ride much too firm and traversing bumps transfers a much too abrupt motion to us passengers inside. Toyota has a much softer suspension across ALL vehicle lines than Ford. I wish Ford relaxed the spring rates slightly. I would say most people do not want to feel abrupt motions from relatively minor bumps. I drove a crew cab F-150 and it was much, much more comfortable than our Flex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucelinc Posted December 16, 2018 Share Posted December 16, 2018 25 minutes ago, ford-boy said: I drove a crew cab F-150 and it was much, much more comfortable than our Flex. A crew cab F150 has a MUCH longer wheelbase than your flex. I am not sure what else you are comparing your Flex with but I suspect your Flex is perfectly normal. Toyota has a reputation for floaty suspensions and less body control....particularly on the older Camrys. The newer ones are firmer and handle better. I haven't driven a Flex but I suspect it is a compromise between ride and nice body control.....although it might be firmer that you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoonerLS Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 I don't know what the differences are between the spring rates or shocks, but my folks' '17 Flex rides nicely, IMHO. They have an SEL (IIRC) with 20" wheels, FWIW. Can't say I've ever compared it to my F-150, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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