V8 "Ultimate" vs Sport

[dkegel]

Hello all,

Can anyone tell me if the '04 (and I suppose '05) LS Ultimate has the same suspension as the Sport? Supposedly all '04 V8's were "Sports" but I'm not sure. Does anyone have shock numbers and sway bar sizes from their sport they could share? The rear sway bar of our newly purchased ultimate measures .70" or 17.8 mm. Best I can tell is the rear shocks are 18080-BA.

Supposedly the sports have aluminum rear brake calipers but I'm pretty sure ours are not aluminum, so maybe that's a giveaway?

One other related note is that while test driving a couple different cars, my wife said this one did not ride as "rough" as another "non-Ultimate" that she drove. Not very scientific, but it makes me wonder.

Thanks!

Dave Kegel

 

[ToddG]

The real distinction is between the V8 and V6 models. For 03-05, all V8 models had the Sport suspension, and all V6 models had non-sport suspension. In terms of hardware, I believe the differences were that the Sport suspensions had bigger/stiffer shocks, bigger swaybars, and 17-inch tires. So to answer your question directly, yes, since the Sport and Ultimate models are both V8s, they both have the Sport suspension.

According to info on the 2003 models, V8 models were also supposed to have aluminum rear calipers (V6 models had cast iron). I do not know for sure if Ford made a change in 2004 or 2005.

On your test-drives, I'm assuming you're testing USED vehicles? In terms of suspension performance on used cars of the same model, its anyone's guess why they would perform differently, but I suspect its due to previous use, whether the shocks were replaced, tire type and extent of wear, etc.

 

[Fla02LS]

I just purchased a '05 V8 Ultimate. I have the original lincoln window sticker which states "Sport-Tuned Suspension". Who knows what that means. I think its the same suspension on all the V8 models.

 

[LincolnTech38]

The Ultimate as far as I know Is the same as the sport, but you get HIDS, different 17" wheels, wood trim and some other goodies.

Jay