Lincoln LS Performance Suspension Parts: Upgrade Guide

The Lincoln LS was an ambitious sedan that combined luxury with rear-wheel-drive sportiness. Even two decades after its debut, it remains a popular platform for enthusiasts looking to sharpen its handling. The stock suspension, while comfortable, leaves room for improvement in body control, steering response, and ride height. Upgrading with performance suspension parts can transform the LS into a capable corner carver without sacrificing daily driving comfort. This guide covers the most effective suspension upgrades—coilovers, springs, sway bars, control arms, and braces—to help you make an informed choice.

Key Suspension Upgrades for the Lincoln LS

Coilover Kits

Coilovers replace the entire strut and spring assembly with an adjustable unit. They allow you to dial in ride height, damping, and sometimes spring preload. For the Lincoln LS, several brands offer dedicated kits. BC Racing and KW are common choices, with BC providing a good balance of adjustability and value. Coilovers drastically reduce body roll and improve cornering grip. They also let you lower the car 1–2 inches for a more aggressive stance. Keep in mind that very low settings may sacrifice ride quality and require careful alignment.

Lowering Springs

If you prefer a simpler upgrade, lowering springs swap the factory springs for shorter, stiffer ones. Eibach Pro-Kit and H&R Sport springs are popular for the LS. They lower the car about 1.2–1.5 inches and reduce body roll without the complexity of coilovers. Pair them with performance shocks (like Bilstein or Koni) for the best results. Lowering springs are more budget-friendly but offer less adjustability than coilovers.

Sway Bars

Thicker sway bars (also called anti-roll bars) connect the left and right suspension to reduce body lean during cornering. For the Lincoln LS, the stock bars are thin and flexible. Upgrading to thicker bars from Addco or Steeda (if available) firms up the chassis response. A rear sway bar often makes the biggest difference, helping the car rotate through corners. Combine a larger front bar with a rear bar for balanced handling.

Control Arms and Bushings

The LS uses front upper and lower control arms, and rear multi-link arms. Over time, the rubber bushings deteriorate, causing vagueness and alignment issues. Replacing them with polyurethane bushings (e.g., Energy Suspension) or upgrading to aluminum control arms (like from a Ford Thunderbird or Lincoln LS aftermarket) tightens up the front end. Pay attention to the rear control arm bushings as well—they are a common weak point. Stiffer bushings transmit more road feel but can increase cabin noise slightly.

Strut Tower Braces

A strut tower brace connects the top of the front shock towers (and optionally the rear) to stiffen the chassis. For the LS, a front brace (often from Cusco or a custom weld-in bar) reduces cowl shake and improves steering precision. Rear braces are less common but can help in tight turns. Installation is straightforward and provides a noticeable improvement in front-end rigidity.

Choosing the Right Parts for Your Driving Style

Daily Driver vs Track Use

Your driving habits should dictate your choices. For a daily driver that sees occasional spirited driving, lowering springs with performance shocks and a rear sway bar offer a balanced upgrade. They maintain reasonable comfort while reducing body roll. For track or autocross use, coilovers with adjustable damping and stiffer sway bars are better. Note that very stiff settings can become harsh on bumpy roads. If you drive on rough pavement, avoid extreme lowering or ultra-stiff bushings.

Budget Considerations

Budget varies widely. A set of lowering springs costs $200–$400, while coilovers range from $900–$2,000. Sway bars are around $200–$500. Control arms and bushings set you back $100–$500 depending on materials. Labor adds another $500–$1,000 if you do not install them yourself. Set a clear budget and prioritize: sway bars and fresh bushings give the most improvement per dollar for most drivers.

Installation Considerations

Professional Installation vs DIY

Suspension work on the Lincoln LS is moderately difficult. Coilovers and springs require spring compressors and care with the air suspension (if equipped). If your LS has factory air ride, you may need to convert to coil springs—an essential first step. Control arm replacement often involves rusty bolts and may need a press for bushings. Unless you have experience and proper tools, professional installation is wise. Expect 4–6 hours of labor for a spring swap, and 6–10 for full coilover installation.

Alignment After Suspension Work

After any height or component change, a precision alignment is mandatory. The LS has relatively robust adjustability, but lowered cars may need aftermarket camber bolts to correct alignment angles. Aim for zero toe and moderate negative camber (around -1.5° front, -1° rear) for street performance. A good alignment shop familiar with older luxury sedans will ensure even tire wear and stable handling.

Final Recommendation

For the most rewarding upgrade on a Lincoln LS, start with a set of high-quality coilovers (like BC Racing) and a rear sway bar (Addco). This combination gives you adjustable ride height, damping control, and significantly less body roll. Add polyurethane bushings in the front control arms to clean up steering feel. If budget is tight, lower the car with Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks, then install a rear sway bar. These changes will transform the LS into a genuinely sporty sedan without ruining its luxury roots. Always invest in a professional alignment afterward to maximize performance and tire life.