Ford Racing Suspension Applications defined

[Geezer]

I think I have put a dent in the confusing Ford Racing shock/strut and spring combinations. If anyone has any comments or further clarification please chime in.

Shocks:

M-18000-zx3 00-05 Stock SVT shocks & struts (comes with mounts, bearings, etc)

M-18000-zx3b 06-07 Stock SVT shocks & struts ( " " " " )

The above two shocks are combined with the M-5560-ZXM or M-5560-ZX3 springs below (depending on model year) to create what is commonly referred to as the FRPP kit.

M-18000-zxm 00-05 Dynamic Design by Tokico

M-18000-zxm1 06-07 Dynamic Design by Tokico

M-3000-ZXM 00-05 Multimatic by Dynamic (springs and shocks -INVERTED DESIGN)

Springs:

M-5560-zxm 00-05 1.5" drop

M-5560-zx3B 06-07 1.5" drop (Spec Focus Spring for 06-07)

M-5560-zxm1 06-07 1.5" drop (can't find out how this differs from zx3b spring)

Spring/Shock Kits:

M-3000-zx3 00-05 Stock SVT kit w/rear sway, w/o strut top mounts

M-3000-zx3A 00-05 Stock SVT kit w/o rear sway, but with strut top mounts

M-3000-zxm 00-05 Multimatic by Dynamic (inverted design) with springs

NOTE: Based on info I received from a spec focus racer (and as also shown in recent pictures of Dynamic Design built by Tokico struts posted in the FF suspension section) the Dynamic Design by Tokico does not have the large inverted strut rods/shafts that come on the Multimatic by Dynamic struts. The Tokico design is exclusively for 06+ cars and the Multimatic is built for 00-05 cars only. The Multimatic is the preferred shock for 00-05 spec focus cars. There are rumors circulating that the Multimatic may be phased out.

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[norcalfocus01]

Instant sticky! Great info Geezer.

[CopperMach]

I recently purchased the M-3000-zxm kit for my car, but I am waiting for the roads to improve so I can put back on my summer wheels/tires (currently have the svt suspension on.) The pistons on the Dynamic struts are massive. Could you shed some light on what is different about the "inverted design."

[Geezer]

The shaft is a hollow tube not solid. Because of its size it's stronger without a major weight penalty a solid shaft that size would have. The valving is not attached to the bottom of the shaft like other solid rod shafts. Its located within the tube (usually at the top of the strut hence the term inverted design). As a result there is more shock travel, especially for compression, and can maintain more travel with shorter springs all while minimizing the chance of damaging the valving if the shock should bottom out.

[CopperMach]

Thanks for clarifying that for me. Also I noticed that there is a nut on the bottom of the strut assy. I guessing that the strut is rebuildable. Thoughts?

[Geezer]

Originally Posted by CopperMach

Thanks for clarifying that for me. Also I noticed that there is a nut on the bottom of the strut assy. I guessing that the strut is rebuildable. Thoughts?

That I can't comment on other than I wouldn't touch it unless I knew exactly what it was for.

[CopperMach]

Was not planning on messing with it, just curious. Thanks for the info.

[MaroonZX3]

Is monotube another name for the inverted design? I'm thinking so, but I could easily be wrong about that.

[Geezer]

Originally Posted by MaroonZX3

Is monotube another name for the inverted design? I'm thinking so, but I could easily be wrong about that.

No, a monotube shock can be found with standard design shocks (valving at bottom of shaft/rod). For example, most Bilsteins are monotubes and are not inverted design. A monotube design costs a little more because they require better seals and valving as they use higher internal gas pressures.

[kamann]

I have a question. How would these springs, M-5560-zxm 00-05 1.5" drop, and, M-18000-zx3 00-05 Stock SVT shocks & struts, perform together? Is this basicly the FRPP kit that Hillbish puts together? I want the drop but I like the way my SVT feels. I don't want stiffer like Dynamic. Just curious, thanks.