On Road Suspension Upgrades

erwayjc

Hey gang! I took delivery of my 2023 Sasquatch back in August (Velocity Blue) and am finally ready to start modifying it with some upgrades! Up here in WNY, there really aren't many off-road trails, unfortunately, so my priority is upgrading the on-road suspension system for now.

I'm looking for recommendations for on-road suspension upgrades. Don't mind spending the money, as this is my daily driver.

Most suspensions (rightfully) seem to be focused for off-road, like King coil overs.

Icon seem like they would be good for on road smooth rides.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Congrats on the new ride & welcome to The Nation!

What specifically are you seeking to improve? Handling? Road feel? Ground clearance?

Assuming you just want a little “softer” ride —> Drop your tire pressure to 34-35 from the suggested 39 and you will experience a much more compliant on-road experience.

erwayjc

Hey gang! I took delivery of my 2023 Sasquatch back in August (Velocity Blue) and am finally ready to start modifying it with some upgrades! Up here in WNY, there really aren't many off-road trails, unfortunately, so my priority is upgrading the on-road suspension system for now.

I'm looking for recommendations for on-road suspension upgrades. Don't mind spending the money, as this is my daily driver.

Most suspensions (rightfully) seem to be focused for off-road, like King coil overs.

Icon seem like they would be good for on road smooth rides.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

So very much goes into this..... Take some time and plan out your whole build first (on Paper). Spend some time talking to tuners (shock tuners not engine tuners). Not just one, but several. Figure out which tuners you trust the most. I liked and trusted the information I got from Acutune but they only deal with Fox and King. Figure out how much weight you will be adding if any and where it will be located. This will make a massive difference in spring rates and shock valving and in the end, ride quality. Obviously you stated the budget is not a major issue so I will assume you will be looking at the upper end. SOMETIMES spending more money does get you more. SOMETIMES it does not.

Personally If it were me, I would probably be looking at the Fox or the ICON.... Leaning toward the ICON... only I have limited knowledge that I have retained for on road performance. I have been studying for off road performance and so most of what I have paid attention to and learned is focused in that area. But those are two (I know there are others) that excel in this area. Typically most systems are trying to create a balance between off and on road. Some leaning a little heavier in one direction or the other.

I did find much of these deep dive articles very helpful in making my decision,
https://accutuneoffroad.com/articles/

Bschurr

Congrats on the new ride & welcome to The Nation!

What specifically are you seeking to improve? Handling? Road feel? Ground clearance?

Assuming you just want a little “softer” ride —> Drop your tire pressure to 34-35 from the suggested 39 and you will experience a much more compliant on-road experience.

Thank you! My focus is on smooth ride on road, minimizing bumps and potholes. The driving factor behind the suspension upgrade is so my wife doesn’t get car sick when riding :-) I absolutely love the Bronco so I want her to love it as much as me. I’ll start by dropping the tire pressure to see how that goes!

Unicorn

So very much goes into this..... Take some time and plan out your whole build first (on Paper). Spend some time talking to tuners (shock tuners not engine tuners). Not just one, but several. Figure out which tuners you trust the most. I liked and trusted the information I got from Acutune but they only deal with Fox and King. Figure out how much weight you will be adding if any and where it will be located. This will make a massive difference in spring rates and shock valving and in the end, ride quality. Obviously you stated the budget is not a major issue so I will assume you will be looking at the upper end. SOMETIMES spending more money does get you more. SOMETIMES it does not.

Personally If it were me, I would probably be looking at the Fox or the ICON.... Leaning toward the ICON... only I have limited knowledge that I have retained for on road performance. I have been studying for off road performance and so most of what I have paid attention to and learned is focused in that area. But those are two (I know there are others) that excel in this area. Typically most systems are trying to create a balance between off and on road. Some leaning a little heavier in one direction or the other.

I did find much of these deep dive articles very helpful in making my decision,
https://accutuneoffroad.com/articles/

Thank you! I’ll check out that info.

I likely won’t be adding tons of weight (bumpers, larger tires, racks) with this Bronco. If I get a Bronco for off-roading I’ll buy another specifically for that.

My current plans are mostly stylizing for this one, a new hood, and maybe new headlights.

Drop the air pressure down to right around 35 psi and it will make a huge difference. I have done extensive on and off road traveling, and that is really all you should need. These are excellent on and off-road. That will all change as you add on weight, towing, wheels and tires etc.

As noted above. I err. The wife came from an LTZ Suburban that was an amazing ride and when you lower the pressure just a touch the Bronco feels pretty close to me. We run right at 36 so we don’t get a check pressure light. That said I am used to driving an 04 F250 or a 08 cobalt both pretty stiff rides. But I do hear the Ikons had a perceived better on road ride. So if the pressure doesn’t do it for you.