Jeep owner turned Focus owner

[canadianZX5]

Hi there guys I just wanted to say hi and introduce myself.

I am from New Brunswick Canada and just bought my first Focus today. It’s a 2005 Blazing Copper ZX5 SES and was a demo at the dealership and got a killer deal of $18,000CDN because it had 5,000km on it.

I bought the car because I am actually an off-road guy and have always owned jeeps. Up until today my daily driver has been a 1998 Jeep Tj with a 4.5 inch lift kit, 36 inch tires and lockers front and rear. I drive about 30-40 minutes to work every day and the Jeep just wasn’t cutting it anymore for the daily duties. With tires being $300 a piece and spending $100 a week in just gas I figured the Focus will pay for itself.

I decided on the Focus after looking around for awhile and wanting a nice small car for daily use. I still have the jeep for the weekends as I spend most them in the woods either doing forestry work or just camping around. (I’m one of those odd guys that has a computer job but lives his life fantasies on the weekend by being a lumberjack..) I am pretty good a fabrication and have done all the work on the jeep myself. So I’m looking forward to playing around with the focus and think perhaps with my different background I might be able to add some new favor to the scene.

So I’ll start off with a question. The one thing I don’t like about the focus is it sits too high especially in the rear.

What are my options for lowering kits? Do the 2005s work with the older kits?
What are the downsides to lowering?
Any long term effects of lowering (higher wearing of parts, etc)
Anyone run into problems before of lowering


Thanks guys and I look forward to being part of the community.

Colin Jennings
2005 ZX5

[suarezrh]

I guess I'm first to say welcome!

as for lowering...
What are my options for lowering kits? Do the 2005s work with the older kits?
yes the older kits are the same on the 05s. Check the suspension section.

What are the downsides to lowering?
this is my first car I lowered too. Really the only problem I have is getting a jack under it (I have a full body kit too). Other than that if you don't get ridiculasly low you should be fine. Mine is Progress Springs that have a 1.8" drop.

Any long term effects of lowering (higher wearing of parts, etc)
If you run stock dampers they will run out quicker. But if you match the lowered springs up to the right set up you will fine for a long time (if you aren't out there Auto-xing or whatever)

Anyone run into problems before of lowering.
Nothing for me.

[MyBlackST]

Welcome. To lower it you can use any of the kits out for previous model focus's (except the wagon). IE. Eibach, SVT, Tien, H&R, ETC...

[03Focuser]

hey welcome

I have a jeep too, an 85 CJ8 Scrambler

[canadianZX5]

Thanks guys I picked her up Friday and enjoying it so far. Certianly want to add a little tint and a small drop wouldn't be bad

Glad to see another jeep owner here. Mines got its 33s on right now but I just installed 2 more inchs lift yesterday and got 36s to throw on once I get the new driveshafts

[hotfocus]

Looks real good...welcome aboard.

[Lil PZEV]

Looks great! So you're dropping the Focus and lifting the Jeep, all as it should be!

Cute pup too

[jrzx3]

WELCOME! Looks great!

I'm a JEEP lover!!! I don't currently own one, but my bf has a 98' GC ltd V8 (gas hog! but nice torque!!!) and my ex and I had a 99' GC ltd and a '01 Liberty ltd. But too bad I hadn't had the pleasure of riding what you have!

Enjoy the forums... I'm sure you will get tons of info... everyone here (but myself - yet) seems to have theirs lowered... lol!

[DrRay]

I recommend the Ford Racing SVT suspension kit. It's a bargain and is designed to work well in unison with dampers, roll bars etc. 3/4" drop.

I've driven lower focuses, but the ride is stiff and I would not recommend it for the street, especially when snow hits.

[shaunq]

ide get the h n r cup kit