[rubio9800]

Hey guys,

Recently installed Bilstein B8 rear shocks on my focus and handles great. I cannot find replacements for the front struts. Is coil overs the only solution for me?

Haven't had great luck finding a replacement performance strut.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, seems like the chassi on 1st gen looks similar to mines, wondering if struts would fit.

Thanks

 

[sailor]

Moved to Brakes, Chassis & Suspension.

You're good with anything that fits '06-'11, adds to your choices as little is officially listed for the '08-'11.

 

[rubio9800]

Awesome thank you sailor!!!!!

 

[rubio9800]

Moved to Brakes, Chassis & Suspension.

You're good with anything that fits '06-'11, adds to your choices as little is officially listed for the '08-'11.

I should be able to fit this kit from FR then, right?

https://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=9601

 

[rubio9800]

Any suggestions for a front sway bar? I can only find one from Whiteline

 

[rambleon84]

Any suggestions for a front sway bar? I can only find one from Whiteline

what size bar do you have now? IIRC, some models from your gen came with up to a 22mm bar. Again, you can widen your car model search when it comes to sway bars. Anything from 00-11 will work there. H&R and Eibach are both popular.

 

[sailor]

I should be able to fit this kit from FR then, right?

https://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=9601

Yes, with a "but".

But - the spring top hats/bearings from that kit only fit the '06-'07 springs, you need YOUR top assemblies (top hat/bearing combo) to fit your springs.

Save the pieces, you may find performance springs from those years you want to run in the future.

 

[rubio9800]

what size bar do you have now? IIRC, some models from your gen came with up to a 22mm bar. Again, you can widen your car model search when it comes to sway bars. Anything from 00-11 will work there. H&R and Eibach are both popular.

Hey,

I currently have a rear one from Steeda, not sure whats the size of it.

http://www.steedafocus.com/parts/ford-focus-steeda-rear-swaybar/

 

[sailor]

rambleon84 actually has a review that shows on that link for me, 22mm for that one mentioned.

 

[rubio9800]

rambleon84 actually has a review that shows on that link for me, 22mm for that one mentioned.

sorry i overlooked it. Should I match the front with a 22mm as well? Still new when it comes to performance upgrades

 

[sailor]

Prob. better off NOT changing the front, stiffer in the rear helps reduce understeer.

 

[rambleon84]

rambleon84 actually has a review that shows on that link for me, 22mm for that one mentioned.

funny, forgot that i posted a review there (think they had a promotion at the time for a chance to win something!)

Prob. better off NOT changing the front, stiffer in the rear helps reduce understeer.

I agree. Get the new springs/struts installed, drive around for a couple weeks that way. Then add the rear bar and pay attention to the differences. Consider sway bars as fine tuning. Get used to how the car handles and add sways as needed. Plus the rear bar is something you can add in an afternoon in your own driveway with jack stands.

The front bar is more involved (have to lower the front cradle to access/install it) and depending on your skill/tools you may feel comfortable doing that. I have the 21mm svt front bar and the Steeda rear, I am happy with that combo.

 

[rubio9800]

Thank you for the great advice