2012 Escape LCA
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2012 Escape LCA
New to the forum.
Looking at acquiring a 2010-2012 Escape. I have one concern out the gate. Don't the (rear) lower control arms reduce minimum ground clearance? Don't intend to off road with it but snow in winter and fire trails to the campsite need more than 5 inches clearance.
I'm pretty sure a small lift wouldn't help the LCA issue and 20' tires would make it a rollover waiting to happen.
Any comments, recommendations or insight is very appreciated.
Thanks.
Looking at acquiring a 2010-2012 Escape. I have one concern out the gate. Don't the (rear) lower control arms reduce minimum ground clearance? Don't intend to off road with it but snow in winter and fire trails to the campsite need more than 5 inches clearance.
I'm pretty sure a small lift wouldn't help the LCA issue and 20' tires would make it a rollover waiting to happen.
Any comments, recommendations or insight is very appreciated.
Thanks.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 522
Likes: 13
From: Upstate NY
Our '12 did fine in the winter snows we've been in. Granted, we haven't off roaded it much more than fields at the fair, but we have traversed a few mud holes that were deeper than they appeared and not had an issue. We carted saws, axes, and a myriad of tools from NY to FL along with about 30 extra gallons of gas during the last round of hurricanes. Even with the extra weight we had no issues on soft unstable ground.
I'm reasonably sure that with some careful navigating, any fire trail you use shouldn't pose much of a problem as long as you have good tread on your tires.
I'm reasonably sure that with some careful navigating, any fire trail you use shouldn't pose much of a problem as long as you have good tread on your tires.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,914
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From: Burleson, Tx
The wheel size won't make any difference in 'rollover factor' since the overall size of the tire is the same. And it would also take a pretty good amount of lift to change the center of gravity enough to worry about roll overs - these are pretty stable.
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New User
Joined: May 2018
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New to the forum.
Looking at acquiring a 2010-2012 Escape. I have one concern out the gate. Don't the (rear) lower control arms reduce minimum ground clearance? Don't intend to off road with it but snow in winter and fire trails to the campsite need more than 5 inches clearance.
I'm pretty sure a small lift wouldn't help the LCA issue and 20' tires would make it a rollover waiting to happen.
Any comments, recommendations or insight is very appreciated.
Thanks.
Looking at acquiring a 2010-2012 Escape. I have one concern out the gate. Don't the (rear) lower control arms reduce minimum ground clearance? Don't intend to off road with it but snow in winter and fire trails to the campsite need more than 5 inches clearance.
I'm pretty sure a small lift wouldn't help the LCA issue and 20' tires would make it a rollover waiting to happen.
Any comments, recommendations or insight is very appreciated.
Thanks.
my inquiries.
Great info and helpful insight.
Does anyone make a reasonably priced 1-2 " lift kit for the Escape?
Are stock tires adequate for the conditions already discussed in the thread? I'm not even sure what trim level includes 17" tires. Is the undercarriage vulnerable? Would a lightweight skid plate (s) with a good strength to weight ratio be advised?
Thanks for any direction.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,914
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From: Burleson, Tx
Now mine was a 2004 front wheel drive so it is slightly different.
It had just regular M&S tires and I took it on some pretty good loose/steep roads and never had an issue with traction except for the one time I was on a 12 degree incline with very loose gravel/rock towing a small trailer (approx 1000lbs). I got about 150' into the 300' trip up and had to slow for a big bump and that was the end of it. Once I slowed and lost momentum I was not able to get traction to get the vehicle moving again.
I've only seen one lift and it was for the model list I had but I don't remember any information about it. But I'm sure there has to be something out there in the way of coil spacers like there is for most trucks.
It had just regular M&S tires and I took it on some pretty good loose/steep roads and never had an issue with traction except for the one time I was on a 12 degree incline with very loose gravel/rock towing a small trailer (approx 1000lbs). I got about 150' into the 300' trip up and had to slow for a big bump and that was the end of it. Once I slowed and lost momentum I was not able to get traction to get the vehicle moving again.
I've only seen one lift and it was for the model list I had but I don't remember any information about it. But I'm sure there has to be something out there in the way of coil spacers like there is for most trucks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,914
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From: Burleson, Tx
Out of curiosity I went looking.... https://www.carid.com/2012-ford-escape-lift-kits/
It's is only springs and only 1" but with this and say 1" taller tires that could really make the Escape look pretty good!
I don't think 1" would be too much to cause cv issues either.
It's is only springs and only 1" but with this and say 1" taller tires that could really make the Escape look pretty good!
I don't think 1" would be too much to cause cv issues either.
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Thanks Scott, good info. Yeah, I wasn't looking for any drastic lift. I am a toolmaker by trade and sometimes when we deviate too mush from the original design we suffer unintended consequences. And I sure don't want to have an unforeseen issue arise on my DD.
Great posts.
Great posts.
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