Whats a good middle ground suspension? first post

[paulywalnuts]

This is my first post on your forum. Im glad to have found it because you all have helped me learn alot about the car I just purchased. I bought a 2008 focus se with 50,000mi. I am very happy with it, it looks brand new and runs quite nicely.

I am an average driver, no racing, just getting back and forth. My wife and I travel about 9mi back and forth to work. Since this is our only car, she takes me to work, goes home, picks me up, goes home, goes to work, and comes home. So about 5 days a week, we are putting around 50mi on our car. Im thankful for the good gas mileage, its way better than our old 2001 300m.

To the point.. I am looking to buy a new suspension in the near future. I figure it will reduce wear and tear on many parts and make for a nicer ride. The question is, which one? I assume that some of the lower priced ones will be better than factory, especially 4yr old factory. I am on a budget, just like everyone, so price is a factor, since I probably will not be able to install them myself.

So Im asking if theres a 'cant go wrong for the price' kind. Also, where is a good place to buy parts, with good prices and service?
Thanks for the help guys.

[Sponsor]

[Neptune15]

I'm not too sure about what's available for the second gen, but my bet would be you are looking for a good set of lowering springs.

If the H&R sports are available for your car, I would recommend them. I do a mix of city driving and track lapping, and I found the springs to be suitable for both. In some cases they are even more comfortable than the stock set-up. They claim about 1.4" drop, but mine only dropped 1.1".

And they are quite easy to install, as long as your rear lower control arm bolts aren't seized (google search this). I'm pretty ham-handed but I managed to do the job with basic tools.

Here's the difference between stock and H&R sports on my car:

[felixthecat]

Originally Posted by Neptune15

I'm not too sure about what's available for the second gen, but my bet would be you are looking for a good set of lowering springs.

If the H&R sports are available for your car, I would recommend them. I do a mix of city driving and track lapping, and I found the springs to be suitable for both. In some cases they are even more comfortable than the stock set-up. They claim about 1.4" drop, but mine only dropped 1.1".

And they are quite easy to install, as long as your rear lower control arm bolts aren't seized (google search this). I'm pretty ham-handed but I managed to do the job with basic tools.

Here's the difference between stock and H&R sports on my car:

Say I like your wheels. Which are those? Cool foci too.

[paulywalnuts]

Well, somewhat. I actually like the ride height as it is. I guess maybe .5 or .75 would be alright, but id have to be positive that it would improve the ride enough to lose that little bit of clearance. Its nice to have a car that doesnt drag. My old chrysler 300 bottomed all the time, I dont miss that..

I am wondering about the kyb gr2 since they are made for factory springs and seem to have a good rep. Should they be better than factory, even if mine arent worn out yet?

[felixthecat]

Hit up Steve at Toulsey Ford for the SVT setup= .50'' lower. Springs/dampers.

[paulywalnuts]

Originally Posted by felixthecat

Hit up Steve at Toulsey Ford for the SVT setup= .50'' lower. Springs/dampers.

This isnt the first time ive heard of the SVT set up, or tousley ford. Ill look into it, thanks felix.

[Neptune15]

17" Sparco RTT524. They are on sale on tirerack for $99 I believe.

[thenorm]

Originally Posted by paulywalnuts

I figure it will reduce wear and tear on many parts and make for a nicer ride.

reduce wear and tear? how?

nicer ride? it will make a rougher ride. If you priority is comfort then, lowering is a bad idea.

a set of 1.5" drop springs and matched shocks will be a good compromise bewteen comfort and handling.