I've got an 03 MK1 focus which needs both the lower rear wishbones replaced and the right hand brace (knuckle?) that carries the hub.

I've seen replacement parts from all names mentioned for decent prices, now I know they're all going to be below OEM standards but Ford prices are going to make the repair costs more than the cars worth and there's probably only another 4-5 years left in her so I reckon it's worth the risk on cheaper bits.

 

Having said that, there's cheap and there's cheap and I don't really want bushes failing in a year and a half or wishbones cracking so who do you think is a decent parts source out of the above (or anyone else)?

Personally i would go for Lemforder. 

Lemforder (owned by ZF) produces the OEM suspension parts and bushing for BMW. The quality of the Lemforder parts meets (or exceeds) the quality of the OEM Ford parts.

Thanks for the info, do you know anything about Mapco or Meyle? I can get the wishbones from Lemforder but can't find the brace/tie bar on their site

+1 for Lemforder, besides them making OEM parts for BMW they also have a good reputation in the Land Rover (Defender) community for making parts that seem to last as well as the original items but without the manufacturer price tag.

I've never used either Mapco or Meyle although I've heard of Meyle a lot more than Mapco.

Lemforder don't make the brace, just the wishbones and they seem to be out of stock...... damn.

Ford are charging £515 for a couple of lower wishbones a tie bar and a couple of droplinks, even a cursory search for alternatives is coming out at £200.

Lemforder, TRW, Meyle, Mapco, Vaico, Metzger, Starline the list of alternative is mind numbing and of course no manufacturer will sell to you directly so you have no idea, even if you find a decent brand, if what you're getting is actually from the company you trust or if it's just re-branded rubbish.