I used to think these were some of the ugliest designed vehicles ever made (still do to a certain extent). Especially given the fact that Ford engineers INTENTIONALLY looked at the likes of vehicles like the Kia Soul, Scion xB (although at least those have Toyota-tier reliability going for them), & the Mini Cooper (just to name a few) for "inspiration" when they conceived the Flex. After all, they essentially wanted to create a European-style wagon whilist retaining the practicality that it offered in terms of ample cargo & passenger space, but with more "SUV DNA" to it rather than the traditional approach of most wagons being modified sedans (otherwise known as "station wagons"). Thus the end result was something that would be an interesting alternative to the long-standing Ford Explorer -- with total available space actually closer to what the Expedition offered. I just think they should've all had AWD as the standard/only configuration (as it's just an all-around better type of drivetrain for such a large vehicle with a equally long wheelbase). Speaking from experience; my FWD-only 2014 just doesn't feel entirely "fitting". But the NA 3.5L V6 & the EcoBoost/twin turbo variant could've still remained the two options they were offered with, as some simply don't enjoy dealing with extra issues a forced induction engine will inevitably have. And the non-turbo option is definitely no slouch & will move these 4.4k+ lb tanks and make them haul absolute ass. I suppose it's to be expected with just under 300-HP (287) & 250 or so lb-ft of torque (Yes, yes, I know with the EcoBoost it's 365-HP + 350 lb-ft -- you basically get a pseudo soccer mom mini-SUV-van-wagon that's a Taurus SHO). Seriously though, seeing the Flex for the first time, I'd never have expected to own one. Life is full of surprises, lol. This was by circumstance more than anything, hence why mine is the NA 3.5L & FWD-only. Although it is the Limited trim, & I can't tell if the previous owner replaced the Sony system speakers or not (haven't actually looked). But either way it's a pretty good layout with plenty of treble/tweeters for the high end & the factory sub actually has a presence. Despite being all the way at the rear. Though I guess that has more to do with acoustics/good factory sound deadening more than anything. Road noise is like 99% non-existent lol. Would say the suspension provides a smooth ride, but there's a reason I'm here literally typing this whole ass essay on a DIY video for the rear struts on the Flex. Mine is at 173k & both front LCA rear bushings, both ball joints, tie rods, struts (front 2 w/coils & 2 rears), all 4 sway bar end links, rear UCAs/LCAs, rear lateral arms/ball joints, rear trailing arms, and for all I know probably hub bearings all-around + both CV axles too. Everything else either has some kind of indication that they need to be replaced, but the last things i haven't checked are the CVs or hubs
Long live the Ford Flex!
Привет, подскажи чем отличаются ступици флекса от эксплорера? У меня флекс 14 года
Shock absorber or strut not a shock
I used to think these were some of the ugliest designed vehicles ever made (still do to a certain extent). Especially given the fact that Ford engineers INTENTIONALLY looked at the likes of vehicles like the Kia Soul, Scion xB (although at least those have Toyota-tier reliability going for them), & the Mini Cooper (just to name a few) for "inspiration" when they conceived the Flex. After all, they essentially wanted to create a European-style wagon whilist retaining the practicality that it offered in terms of ample cargo & passenger space, but with more "SUV DNA" to it rather than the traditional approach of most wagons being modified sedans (otherwise known as "station wagons"). Thus the end result was something that would be an interesting alternative to the long-standing Ford Explorer -- with total available space actually closer to what the Expedition offered. I just think they should've all had AWD as the standard/only configuration (as it's just an all-around better type of drivetrain for such a large vehicle with a equally long wheelbase). Speaking from experience; my FWD-only 2014 just doesn't feel entirely "fitting". But the NA 3.5L V6 & the EcoBoost/twin turbo variant could've still remained the two options they were offered with, as some simply don't enjoy dealing with extra issues a forced induction engine will inevitably have. And the non-turbo option is definitely no slouch & will move these 4.4k+ lb tanks and make them haul absolute ass. I suppose it's to be expected with just under 300-HP (287) & 250 or so lb-ft of torque (Yes, yes, I know with the EcoBoost it's 365-HP + 350 lb-ft -- you basically get a pseudo soccer mom mini-SUV-van-wagon that's a Taurus SHO). Seriously though, seeing the Flex for the first time, I'd never have expected to own one. Life is full of surprises, lol. This was by circumstance more than anything, hence why mine is the NA 3.5L & FWD-only. Although it is the Limited trim, & I can't tell if the previous owner replaced the Sony system speakers or not (haven't actually looked). But either way it's a pretty good layout with plenty of treble/tweeters for the high end & the factory sub actually has a presence. Despite being all the way at the rear. Though I guess that has more to do with acoustics/good factory sound deadening more than anything. Road noise is like 99% non-existent lol. Would say the suspension provides a smooth ride, but there's a reason I'm here literally typing this whole ass essay on a DIY video for the rear struts on the Flex. Mine is at 173k & both front LCA rear bushings, both ball joints, tie rods, struts (front 2 w/coils & 2 rears), all 4 sway bar end links, rear UCAs/LCAs, rear lateral arms/ball joints, rear trailing arms, and for all I know probably hub bearings all-around + both CV axles too. Everything else either has some kind of indication that they need to be replaced, but the last things i haven't checked are the CVs or hubs
This dude is terrible. Wrench size’s and bolt sizes are too different things. He’s not a mechanic obviously
Yet, he muddled through, and got it done.