M-3000-ZX3A and 2004 SVT ZX5 ride height is too tall after install

[bigb7000]

Ok, just had a shop install the kit M-3000-ZX3A and now my car looks to be about an inch or more too tall all the way around.

With the original setup when I pushed down on the front of the car I could not get much movement now it is easy to push down on the car and it moves a good amount. Driving the car also feels like a softer ride not stiff and rigid as before.

I have owned this car since 2004 it has 47K mile on it I had a blown front right strut and was suggested to get all 4 done since the car was 8 years old. I am not sure this kit is the factory setup for my car it looks and feels like a stock focus now. Can anyone help me identify my old parts to compare to the new parts? Did they make a change on the 2004 SVT model?

Thanks in advance,
Brian

[Geezer]

No change between 2002 and 2004 SVT's suspension wise. Are you sure they used genuine Ford Racing SVT parts? Did they do the final torqueing while the suspension was drooping. This is a very common occurance and causes bushings to bind up and the car ends up sitting higher until everything settles (which can take some time).

[YellowJellyBean]

I would agree with Geezer here (I usually do). That's the correct part number for the kit, so the problem is either in whether or not that's actually what you got, or the shop messed up the install. There's a break-in period where the springs will settle a little bit, but that shouldn't make the whole thing softer.

[bigb7000]

I got the parts from Tousley Ford and they were in a big white Ford Racing box with the correct part number on the outside of the box.

Are there any individual part numbers that I can look for on the struts and springs to validate what I had versus what I have now?

Thanks in advance,
Brian

[Geezer]

If you got it from Tousley I'm comfortable that you got the right stuff.

[mainest]

I don't know if it is relevant, but the last SVT shocks/struts I bought (from Tousley) were made in China.
Also, I am wondering at what mileage should one replace springs as well as shocks and struts? I, too, have a blown strut.
Thank you.

[dirtbiker348]

I'd say change the struts/shocks at every 50-70k. Springs usually will not get any softer and should last.

[Geezer]

Springs (excepting cheap junk) should last forever unless abused and damaged.

[bigb7000]

How can I tell what I have? Steve said my old spring were sagging that's why it looks different. I have photos from when I bought it new and over the years I cannot see any big changes. Also I could never get a regular floor jack under the car I had to buy a low profile racing jack but now I can slide my suv 3 ton jack under it. After driving it more it is no where near as stiff quick lane changed and tight turns the car/body roll is so much worse and not tight like before.

[YellowJellyBean]

This might sound silly, but did you buy your car new? Any chance you had something other than stock SVT suspension before?