EUR04D gets lowered... - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Timmeh · 10-21-2004, 00:48

Well, 17 or so months of ownership have finally lead me to get the thing lowered - procrastinating has been holding on too long.

Despite Eibachs being the most popular spring around and saying that I would use them, I opted for the firmest road Pedders spring. The reason for this is my Infocus front bar, its already so low I have to exercise extreme caution when entering and exiting places. The Eibach and KW springs were just too low for me... considering this is my daily driver. I also talked to Kings Springs, but their lowest spring was still higher than these for the front.

The Focus now sits a fair bit lower than before, the springs are still extremely new in the car and should settle a further 10mm or so

When measuring the standard ride height, I was alarmed to find the tolerances in the standard Ford springs meant the car was very unbalanced. The rear right was higher than the rear left by a good 6mm, and front left was higher than the right by 5mm. This meant the car was not sitting correctly flat.

So I took the car around to JOSH's shop, and up the thing went onto the hoist. The Focus suspension is pretty interesting, the front springs do not sit parallel to the strut, but rather are offset at an angle.

You can see the car isn't "fooly hektik on tha ground bro", but it was never my intention. Those skirts are extremely close to that gutter in the photo though, as in about 1 cm

I was going to replace the front shocks at the same time with some firmer units, but he didn't have any in stock (my fault - I should have ordered them earlier but can be easily installed later) so all the springs were just replaced. The car already required wooden planks to get it up onto the hoist, but got off the same way ok. A short burst down the road, and back up the hoist to tighten the sway bars. Back out, and the ride was noticeably firmer, the car was alot more precise, especially on turn in.

I am pretty happy with the results, I no longer own the clubs 4WD Overlander! Woohoo

The ride is extremely smooth, as tight as ever, no noises, squeaks, or knocks anywhere. Turn in is dramatically improved, the car just feels alot more settled and precise on the road, as you'd expect. The car looks noticeably low compared to others in a car park, still retains some practicality, can't complain. Each side now sits within 1mm of each other also, which was important.

Here is the humble Focus, right back when I first bought her, to give you an idea of the stock ride height of the poverty pack Focus.

Well, that's about all for my show and tell today. I am happy with the results, it should settle a little for that extra few millimetres, but it's all good.

Regards, Tim!

EBXR · 10-21-2004, 01:15

Was the lowering done after the motorcycle incident??

Looks good Tim - Especially comparing it to what it was when you first got it!!!

Timmeh · 10-21-2004, 01:24

Yeah, the lowering was done this morning, the motorbike accident was yesterday.

And thanks, the old girl has come a long way since I bought her, I look at pictures of back then and think "whoa!"

Tim

XR_Strider_GuY · 10-21-2004, 03:16

Car looks sweet as Tim, ride height is perfect in my opinion. Now you'll feel even more at home when we hang with the Sik Sik Hektik Bro's at the foreshores. I really love the 3rd pic, looks very very clean and integrated. Time for a another happy snap with my baby.

WASACL · 10-21-2004, 04:43

Looks very nice man... I love that 'CLEAN' Look about her!

She is almost complete man.... Whens that Turbo being bolted on?

Russ

fordel · 10-21-2004, 05:07

Looks good Tim, a little bit lower would be ever better.. still a bit of gap between the guards there, other then that looks sweet as :)

Chris

Timmeh · 10-21-2004, 05:15

Not wrong... if they don't settle much at all, I am already considering replacing them. If they settle to the full advertised drop, then they should be ok. In my experience springs dont settle a great deal, but we'll see what happens. I rang King Springs but their Superlows are still higher than this, according to the dimensions they gave me!

We'll see what happens. Tim

WASACL · 10-21-2004, 07:31

Man just go to a decent suspension place and get them reset to the height that you want.
But be warned...any lower then 2 1/2 inches and the rear multi link has a hissy fit...

Mine were reset and they are fine. I promise!

Russ

whippet_zetec · 10-21-2004, 15:06

looks really nice there Tim, the first pic from the back shows it off nicely. Now you will have to be extra careful when going through drive-thru at Maccas.....

and I think my Focus will become the one that looks like it is on a lift kit...lol

oh one other thing, dont now how this will be received, but a chrome tip on that exhaust (or unless you are going to upgrade that aswell) would add to your focus looks....(jmo)

Zetec · 10-21-2004, 15:31

He's getting a zorst... trust me!!!

Looks great Timbo, no more Focus CL SUV like the famous shot we have, it almost got me that last time!!!! In my experience, the KW's didn't settle much. The rear end is prone to spring back on me a little more than before (which I'm not complaining about) and the front end is much much sharper. The only thing I've had to contend with is a little noisier steering due to the geometry of the front end being changed. But lowering is one of the best ways to both visually and performance enhance a car. Lots of fun and it looks just right with your car now mate!!! Congrats.