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bluedwardle

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
So I picked my car up from the dealer yesterday, they applauded themselves for putting new tires on for me. I'm half-way home and I hear something odd, I get out, and they've put 215/50/17 on the stock rims. Every time I turn right they rub like a SOB (turning left is fine since there's no passenger, and yes I realize this means I'm too heavy lol)

So anyway, I'm hoping they still give me new tires but in the right size, going back this afternoon.

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Any suggestions on the car, let me know.
 
#2 ·
I got the same thing when I bought mine although mine didn't rub unless I was going hard around a corner.
 
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Discussion starter · #3 ·
I'm wondering if mine is lowered even more then stock then? I'm only 190lb, it's not like I'm a giant. even when I hit bumps the Michelins would rub like crazy and make terrible sounds. Going in today at 1, they better put good tires on!
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Sorry, I only know a bit about these cars, I must have missed something, that SVT logo isn't stock?

The new tires are on, it doesn't rub unless I hit a massive driveway bump with 2 guys in the car but when I do hit bumps the back end sounds like it's bottoming out. Since it's winter is there an easy way to check visually for stock suspension parts?
 
#6 ·
SVT logo is stock. The rear hatch trim piece was black for that year, paint matched other years.

That car is definitely lowered, even accounting for the taller tires that might be as much as a 1.5" drop from stock, which isn't exactly a 4x4 in the first place.

Springs and struts have a few hallmarks by brand. KYB shocks/struts are red, Koni are yellow, Eibach are, err, a different color... Progress springs are kinda teal, and might give that drop. Tein S-tech would, and are green. KW springs are purple I think? Point being, somebody should be able to ID the drop, if you can get a shot of the suspension for us.
 
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#7 ·
the stock SVT Focus logo says SVT focus. some people remove the focus part, or replace with an Svt only logo...
that svt is definitely dropped from the looks of it.. look at the wheel gap (or lack thereof) in the front.. that's probably why you're rubbing.
the stocke svt tires' sidewall are 45 though right?
 
#8 ·
Most likely, that car is dropped, but may not be by as much as you think.
Those 215/50/17 series tires are dang close to an inch taller in diameter than the stockers.
(24.6"-stock vs 25.5")
Your speedometer is most likely a good bit off as well...reads slower than actual speed...be careful.

I sure do hope the Dealer gets you the correct size.
^^^And, speed/load rating.
Stock SVT tires are W speed rated and load range 91 (1,356lbs)
You can drop down a couple speed ratings to "H" or "V", but don't fool with the load range.
Here's some related reading:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=35
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
I just checked the calculations. The reason it's still grinding on hard bumps is because he put on 205/50 which is .4inches too big diameter (1/5th inch radius). Not a big deal, they have more tread on them then the ones he said he would put on so I'm happy until summer when I get the Europe rims and summer tires.
 
#11 ·
The gap over the rear tires looks really tight, its very possible the car is lowered.
 
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#12 ·
^^^I think we all can agree on that, especially if those are 205/50/17s on the car. [;)]

bluedwardle;
We need some pics of the suspension!
 
Discussion starter · #17 · (Edited)
Alright, here's the best pic I could give:
Image


So it's probably progressive, but maybe Tein S-tech. Based on the quality of the ride, I'm going to say they're progressive.

The ride is really terrible (and I used to have a lowered 92 accord on cheap CHEAP springs). Is it worth going to SVT suspension or what would everyone suggest?

Also, here's a pic with the new tires and a few days of snow driving

Image
 
#18 ·
Definitely progressive springs, but I don't know which brand.
Could be Eibach Sportline, but your car doesn't look that low.
(then again, your description of the ride is what I've heard a few people say about the sportlines)
Initially, they're softer than SVT springs, then ramp up all at once.

You might really like getting the factory SVT stuff. (springs/dampers)
The kit is very reasonably priced, and you'll be surprised how extremely well it handles, considering how nice the ride is.
^^^A most excellent hiway/canyon cruiser.

And...check this thread to help determine what's on the car right now:
http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61959
 
Discussion starter · #19 ·
Thanks. I went through the link and as close as i can tell they're Progress springs (based on color) but they may also be Tein. I'll be getting the SVT suspension ASAP. Is Ford Racing the best place to buy it? Looks like they list for 305 on there. Will I need any other parts that aren't in this set?
http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=6782
 
#20 ·
The kit has everything you need...and then some.
What's your rear sway bar look like on the car?
Is it aftermarket, or the stocker?
If it's the stock one, you don't need the rear bar from the FRPP kit, and could sell it to recover some of the cost.

I would check with one of the Vendors on this site, before ordering from Ford.
You'll probably get a better deal. [;)]
See here:
Exclusive Vendor Discussions
And here:
Vendor Group Buys & Specials
 
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