Is this stuff any good? (Suspension)

kjsoccerdude · Thu Mar 11, 2010 7:31 pm

I know next to nothing about suspension but I wouldn't mind a drop. I was offered the following in a trade for something I have..."what about a eibach suspension? their sportline springs on SVT struts and dampers with front swaybar." Is that a good setup at all? Any idea how much lower it would get me?

hermitmaster · Thu Mar 11, 2010 7:41 pm

If you use aftermarket springs, you should also use aftermarket shocks/struts.

Stilz · Thu Mar 11, 2010 8:10 pm

hermitmaster wrote:If you use aftermarket springs, you should also use aftermarket shocks/struts.

x2
there really isn't a huge difference between the base model shocks/struts and the SVT ones... if any.

kjsoccerdude · Thu Mar 11, 2010 8:21 pm

Ok so here is a question. What are all the components to a suspension system? Like when people upgrade to the SVT suspension system, what all are they getting. And if people always get that, why do they if there isn't much difference between them and the regular Focus ones?

Stilz · Thu Mar 11, 2010 10:51 pm

kjsoccerdude wrote:Ok so here is a question. What are all the components to a suspension system? Like when people upgrade to the SVT suspension system, what all are they getting. And if people always get that, why do they if there isn't much difference between them and the regular Focus ones?

The SVT has a "tuned" suspension. Compared to the base model. So it has different springs and better sway bars. You'd have to ask Steve if the shocks/struts are different.
Why would you want to upgrade?
Depends on what you're planning on doing with it. Lots of people like to AutoX, and upgrading the suspension, even on the SVT, it will make your handling better. Less body roll, makes for more tire on ground, which makes you go more... get it?
I'm kind of basic on this, so if someone else wants to chime in and assist these stattements, that would be great.
Now... the base model (non-SVT) is an economy car... SO the suspension is put together for driving, and gas mileage and bla bla bla... if you have one, and are planning on doing something OTHER than just driving. Upgrading never hurts. Of if you just want to throw money into your car. That works too.

Again, ask Steve. he has a suspension kit in his SVT, and I don't think he does anything other than driving. He might be able to give you a better opinion. I haven't gotten my suspension as of yet for my SVT...
i get mine tomorrow.

kjsoccerdude · Fri Mar 12, 2010 1:49 am

As much as I would love to Auto-X I don't think there is any in my area and Idk if I'd wanna put my car through that. Plus I'll be Turboing my Focus in May or June so that would complicate it. To be honest, the biggest reason I'd want that stuff is just for the drop...I know better suspension is great, but for now it's not on the top of my to do list. A drop is higher on the list and I was offered this stuff in a trade for something so I thought I'd ask about it.

hermitmaster · Fri Mar 12, 2010 7:45 am

Lowering a car on stock dampers (shocks/struts) will only lead to premature failure and bottoming out of the dampers.

hafftrak · Fri Mar 12, 2010 7:52 am

hermitmaster wrote:Lowering a car on stock dampers (shocks/struts) will only lead to premature failure and bottoming out of the dampers.

Especially Sportlines.

hermitmaster · Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:28 am

I used to have a Mitsubishi Lancer that I installed H & R springs in on the stock dampers. I spent quite a bit of time riding on the bump stops (which were incredibly hard).

Fri Mar 12, 2010 12:49 pm

svt dampners are different from standard focus.

Fri Mar 12, 2010 1:53 pm

HotRodWagon wrote:svt dampners are different from standard focus.

Yes they are.

hermitmaster · Fri Mar 12, 2010 4:17 pm

I still wouldn't do it. You are changing the length of the stoke and you should use a damper that can accommodate a shorter stroke.

ElectricAl · Sat Mar 13, 2010 12:53 pm

All you cool cats who have your cars lowered, I salute you...

Meanwhile, in my part of town where pothole dodging has become a routine part of the daily drive, I think I'd be afraid of getting CLOSER to the craters and bumps

hermitmaster · Sat Mar 13, 2010 4:11 pm

Me too! I'm still riding on stock suspension.

ElectricAl · Sat Mar 13, 2010 4:25 pm

^^^and Hugo's not bad at all, at least you guys have some smooth roads out that-way-- I know because my mom lives out there...

Try (or DON'T TRY) South Minneapolis. Every road around here (other than freeways) is about the quality of a war-zone...