Stock suspension vs SVT

burnie · 05-03-2013, 01:44 PM

Hi Guys ! I have a 2002 ZX5 . It`s time for struts and shocks again at 287,000 miles . I have Monroe Sensa Tracs all the way around . This time I plan on putting the EZ struts (have the whole assembly including the coil spring ) on the front . Would there be any advantage to using an EZ strut made for an SVT , other than maybe a bit more stiffness.......and secondly ...would they interchange and fit ? Thanks ! peace

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YellowJellyBean · 05-03-2013, 02:02 PM

SVT suspension is a very mild drop over stock (.5" I believe) and a little stiffer. If you want a slightly upgraded suspension without dropping your car a bunch, it's a good way to go. Fitment is exactly the same.

My only reservation is that I've never heard of EZ Struts. You can get the Ford Racing SVT suspension kit with the fronts pre-assembled for about $350.
http://focus.c-f-m.com/fordracingsvt...05focus-1.aspx

***sailor*** · 05-03-2013, 02:15 PM

Hi again burnie!

How'd you make out on your wheels? (can't remember)

I used the Ford SVT kit I bought from Tousley (on-line cat., call & ask for Steve, though others can help you).

The particular one included EZ strut style for the front (pre-assembled) with shocks & springs for the rear. Stiffer, .5" lower, and still quite comfortable.

The other option was just springs, shocks/struts, and an SVT rear bar - I was happy with the full assemblies for the front.

Rear spring installation was the hardest part, once the shocks were off I could lever the suspension low enough to pop out the old springs with a bar - getting in the new ones was harder.

Didn't happen to find a center screw type compressor made for doing just springs right away, so I ended up using "cheapo" one use type outer compressors from Harbor Freight. It worked, but getting things lined up just right to get the compression needed while working around things in the way was a pain.

Whole objective was to avoid dealing with frozen rear camber arm bolts. If your outer bolts come out OK you can just drop the arms & get 'em in that way saving a bit of swearing. (Plus not needing a tool)

Peace

Roger

burnie · 05-03-2013, 08:49 PM

YJB , the EZ Struts from Monroe come complete with the coil spring already installed . Just a one piece installation ....much easier . No need to use a compressor . They run right at $300 at Advance Auto . Sailor , my rear has just a shock absorber only . So it should be a simple install . BTW , still workin` on wheels . peace

Red01Focus · 05-03-2013, 10:36 PM

300 is way too much they can be found for cheaper on amazon and other sites

Ruthless Focus · 05-03-2013, 10:53 PM

Ive switched my stock suspension out on my 2000 zx3 ford focus to the svt racing suspension and let me tell tell you its looks alot better it may be just a inch and a half but you can see the difference and feel it when you drive. I would say svt suspension is well worth it.

burnie · 05-03-2013, 11:11 PM

Does the `02 SVT use a strut on the rear ? And I would guess a larger sway bar ? Right ? peace

YellowJellyBean · 05-04-2013, 12:30 AM

All models of Focus have separate shocks and springs in the rears. The MacPherson coilover struts are only in the front. I do believe the sway bars are bigger, as well.

***sailor*** · 05-04-2013, 11:34 PM

YJB got my main comment already....

Burnie - 300 is close to the price for an ENTIRE kit when bought mail-order, front strut assemblies - rear shocks - rear springs. I've seen 350 mentioned recently, sounds like the right ballpark. You really want the matching springs in back, not just the front struts & rear shocks.

I was thinking that for WV roads, the small drop & a bit stiffer would be good. Still plenty of travel for the big bumps when needed, nicer for control on the constant twisties.

Tends to be better for Dirt Roads as well, ADDING height is nice there but I haven't seen a cheap "rally" kit for the Focus, Still got one for a FWD Dodge Charger/ Plymouth Tourismo but I haven't seen one of those in years (grin).

Later!