Personal Impasse with my Lift Kit

[trentmj25]

Hey all, relatively new to the forum. I am at an impasse right now with my bronco sport. I have installed a 1.5" RC Lift kit on it, my Ride height looks great. Although, kind of seems like I have had only problems since then. I know that part of it, is the lift kit I have chosen. (I have had to tighten each sway bar once, although I know I will have to do it again, and that I should just get Loctite and deal with it.)

Although after installing AT 235/65/R18 tires on there, my mileage has significantly tanked. A/T tires certainly can do that, but I am sure the lit does not help. That and knowing that Lift kits can mess with the suspension over time, I am heavily contemplating removing my lift. I wanted to turn to the forum with opinions.

 

[Mark S.]

The only reason I would opt for a Bronco Sport with a 1.5L engine is for the better fuel economy. If the lift and tires significantly decreases your fuel economy then I believe you defeat the primary benefit of the 1.5L engine.

 

[AndyMac204]

I think there were some initial issues with that particular kit. Also lift and heavier tires don't help....

 

[trentmj25]

The only reason I would opt for a Bronco Sport with a 1.5L engine is for the better fuel economy. If the lift and tires significantly decreases your fuel economy then I believe you defeat the primary benefit of the 1.5L engine.

Looking back, I should have been more patient and waited for a badlands, but that is definitely a good point.

 

[Chiefthepup]

I like my lift and the look but in all honestly I probably should have kept everything stock for longevity and peace of mind knowing everything is how ford meant for it to be. Another plus about going back to stock is you have zero concerns about voiding your warranty.

 

[trentmj25]

I like my lift and the look but in all honestly I probably should have kept everything stock for longevity and peace of mind knowing everything is how ford meant for it to be. Another plus about going back to stock is you have zero concerns about voiding your warranty.

Also a good point for sure!

 

[B-Dog15]

I would say the larger tires are probably more of the culprit than the lift is as far as gas mileage goes. I put on my 245’s and took a small hit but not nearly as bad as others have reported.

 

[Mark S.]

I would say the larger tires are probably more of the culprit than the lift is as far as gas mileage goes. I put on my 245’s and took a small hit but not nearly as bad as others have reported.

I'm not so sure. Many here have reported a significant fuel economy reduction with the installation of a roof-mounted cargo basket. Any increase in height incurs a commensurate increase in frontal area. More frontal area means more drag. If you drive a lot of highway miles, and I suspect that's the case with OP given he lives in Montana, then any increase in drag will have an even larger impact on fuel economy.

 

[B-Dog15]

I'm not so sure. Many here have reported a significant fuel economy reduction with the installation of a roof-mounted cargo basket. Any increase in height incurs a commensurate increase in frontal area. More frontal area means more drag. If you drive a lot of highway miles, and I suspect that's the case with OP given he lives in Montana, then any increase in drag will have an even larger impact on fuel economy.

This is fair point??‍ I appreciate the correction Mark

 

[Black Rob]

Hey all, relatively new to the forum. I am at an impasse right now with my bronco sport. I have installed a 1.5" RC Lift kit on it, my Ride height looks great. Although, kind of seems like I have had only problems since then. I know that part of it, is the lift kit I have chosen. (I have had to tighten each tie rod once, although I know I will have to do it again, and that I should just get Loctite and deal with it.)

Although after installing AT 235/65/R18 tires on there, my mileage has significantly tanked. A/T tires certainly can do that, but I am sure the lit does not help. That and knowing that Lift kits can mess with the suspension over time, I am heavily contemplating removing my lift. I wanted to turn to the forum with opinions.

You sure it’s the tie rod loosening? That shouldn’t have been messed with. I’ve heard others having the end links for the sway bar coming loose.

 

[NMhunter]

I have a 1-1/2" lift on my Badlands, and I didn't notice a significant decrease in mileage. On my Jeep LIberty, putting on KO2's lost me around 3 mpg.

 

[Mark S.]

I have a 1-1/2" lift on my Badlands, and I didn't notice a significant decrease in mileage. On my Jeep LIberty, putting on KO2's lost me around 3 mpg.

Wind drag is less of a factor at higher elevations. There are fewer molecules per cubic ft of air.

 

[NoOneHereYet]

I have a badlands with a 1.5" lift on 245/65's and a trailrax roof rack. I live in the mountains of Idaho so climate etc... are similar to the OP. I also added the HRG mid skid, K&N intake, and borla cat-back exhaust. After everything I still am only off maybe 1-2mpg average from completely stock. The biggest issue I have noticed is with gas. If he is in the mountains like me, the gas ins't always all that good depending on how often and where they get it from. Also changing from premium to regular even unintentionally can cause major power and mpg loss. I wish I had more of an answer but I honestly have no real experience with the 1.5 other than the test drive before I bought my badlands over a year ago.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

I would agree that the roof rack and box is probable the biggest culprit, with the tires next followed by the lift.

 

[FordBroncoLifts]

Hey all, relatively new to the forum. I am at an impasse right now with my bronco sport. I have installed a 1.5" RC Lift kit on it, my Ride height looks great. Although, kind of seems like I have had only problems since then. I know that part of it, is the lift kit I have chosen. (I have had to tighten each tie rod once, although I know I will have to do it again, and that I should just get Loctite and deal with it.)

Although after installing AT 235/65/R18 tires on there, my mileage has significantly tanked. A/T tires certainly can do that, but I am sure the lit does not help. That and knowing that Lift kits can mess with the suspension over time, I am heavily contemplating removing my lift. I wanted to turn to the forum with opinions.

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