Suspension Upgrade

[Bliky]

Originally Posted by Zillon

Whatever springs you do go with, choose ones that are linear and not progressive. They'll handle better, handle more consistently, ride better, and if you're pairing with your stock dampers, your dampers will last longer.

The Steeda springs are good springs. I'd strongly recommend pairing them with the OEM ST front dampers and Koni yellow rear shocks.

Since you're apparently the guru would this be the best setup for suspension performance? Why is this better than coilovers? Be technical, I'm curious :P

Also, how would I go about buying either if the dampers or shocks? Is there anything else I need?

[Zillon]

Originally Posted by Bliky

Since you're apparently the guru would this be the best setup for suspension performance? Why is this better than coilovers? Be technical, I'm curious :P

Also, how would I go about buying either if the dampers or shocks? Is there anything else I need?

I wouldn't say I'm a guru. I just have more practical experience than most in the MK3 area of the forum.

The reason I suggest staying away from coils is due to the area you live in. As a fellow member who lives in the northeast, coilovers are not a good bet for a daily driven car. I don't say that because the ride will be rough, but I say that because the salt, sand, brine, and other de-icing agents used on our roadways wreak havoc on suspension components.

I've had coilovers on past vehicles. Both times, the threads seized, rendering the ability to adjust the ride height useless, despite my best efforts to keep them oiled, lubed, and free of salt, sand, or other corrosive material. If you're after street performance, a good set of dampers paired with a set of reputable performance springs will be your best bet for durability, handling, and ride compliance. Pro-kits are fine. Steeda's springs might be better, but I can't vouch for that. I will say that the handling of my car with the Prokit springs, ST struts, and Koni rear shocks with the Steeda rear sway was phenomenal for backroad driving.

For the dampers, call up Tousley Ford and ask for Steve.

Parts:
- AD-1098 F Upper Strut Mounts
- AST-12281 LH F Strut (ST-version)
- AST-12287 RH F Strut (ST-version)
- AD-1094 F Strut Bearings

Koni Yellows:
- 8040-1353SPORT Rear shock, adjustable, Mazdaspeed3

Here's how my car sat:


Yours will sit a hair lower, simply because the Titanium is a little heavier.

[PratoN]

Originally Posted by Zillon

So... pretty...

[Bliky]

Originally Posted by Zillon

I wouldn't say I'm a guru. I just have more practical experience than most in the MK3 area of the forum.

The reason I suggest staying away from coils is due to the area you live in. As a fellow member who lives in the northeast, coilovers are not a good bet for a daily driven car. I don't say that because the ride will be rough, but I say that because the salt, sand, brine, and other de-icing agents used on our roadways wreak havoc on suspension components.

I've had coilovers on past vehicles. Both times, the threads seized, rendering the ability to adjust the ride height useless, despite my best efforts to keep them oiled, lubed, and free of salt, sand, or other corrosive material. If you're after street performance, a good set of dampers paired with a set of reputable performance springs will be your best bet for durability, handling, and ride compliance. Pro-kits are fine. Steeda's springs might be better, but I can't vouch for that. I will say that the handling of my car with the Prokit springs, ST struts, and Koni rear shocks with the Steeda rear sway was phenomenal for backroad driving.

For the dampers, call up Tousley Ford and ask for Steve.

Parts:
- AD-1098 F Upper Strut Mounts
- AST-12281 LH F Strut (ST-version)
- AST-12287 RH F Strut (ST-version)
- AD-1094 F Strut Bearings

Koni Yellows:
- 8040-1353SPORT Rear shock, adjustable, Mazdaspeed3

Here's how my car sat:


Yours will sit a hair lower, simply because the Titanium is a little heavier.

I got home and opened this topic up and saw your car... The first word that came to mind is "perfect" I assume those are 18s? Pretty much the look i'm going for. Now for the parts, I did a little looking around online to see what I could find. The ford parts, mostly the struts, is there a separate part with the same number that's the ST version or is that part number for the ST version... I seem to found everything on amazon but i'm not sure if it's the correct stuff.

The amazon list: http://amzn.com/w/1JCXH987T02ZE

[Zillon]

Seems to be correct.

I'd probably order from Tousley, though. You'll save a few bucks over Amazon, unless you've got Amazon gift cards to spend, or Amazon prime eligibility.

Tousley prices:
AD-1094 bearing - 8.56 ea. (need 2)
AD-1098 mount - 10.80 ea. (need 2)
AST12287 - 44.17
AST12281 - 44.84

Also, I bought my Konis from THMotorsports. They have them for $130 ea. Add their 3% discount code, and that brings them to 126 ea., and they have free ground shipping.

[ChrisRyan]

That Focus was sharp Zillion.

[Bliky]

Originally Posted by Zillon

Seems to be correct.

I'd probably order from Tousley, though. You'll save a few bucks over Amazon, unless you've got Amazon gift cards to spend, or Amazon prime eligibility.

Tousley prices:
AD-1094 bearing - 8.56 ea. (need 2)
AD-1098 mount - 10.80 ea. (need 2)
AST12287 - 44.17
AST12281 - 44.84

Also, I bought my Konis from THMotorsports. They have them for $130 ea. Add their 3% discount code, and that brings them to 126 ea., and they have free ground shipping.

The thing about amazon is, I actually have both cards and Amazon prime... I'm just afraid they're the wrong parts or something like that. They should be right, I think... Lol I actually have $250 in amazon cards on their and i've been trying to find car parts to use them for but like I said, i'm afraid it's the wrong stuff.

[KosKo425]

Hey Bilky....how does your car handle with the Steeda rear sway? After my green filter it's next on the list if it is worth it. @Zillon: car looks tough.

[novus]

Originally Posted by Zillon

The reason I suggest staying away from coils is due to the area you live in. As a fellow member who lives in the northeast, coilovers are not a good bet for a daily driven car. I don't say that because the ride will be rough, but I say that because the salt, sand, brine, and other de-icing agents used on our roadways wreak havoc on suspension components.

You must be joking bro. You do realize where most of the slammed Audi/VW/BMW's are right? That's right... The NE...

Nice looking car though.

[Zillon]

Originally Posted by novus

You must be joking bro. You do realize where most of the slammed Audi/VW/BMW's are right? That's right... The NE...

Nice looking car though.

Yeah, I do realize that.

Just because everyone else is doing it, doesn't mean it's a good decision.

If you're looking for a suspension setup for the long haul in any salt-ridden state, stay away from adjustable coilovers, unless you're going to spend the money right and get KWs. At least they have stainless bodies. I've done coilovers before on a DD, and I can vouch for the fact that springtime suspension overhauls suck.