Lowering A Mk2 Focus Studio, 2005.

[Olaf]

Just in case I posted it in the wrong section, I'll quote it here as well. You may delete the one that's wrong.

Hello guys.

I have a Ford Focus Studio (1.4) from 2005, it's the second generation. It's generally my first car and I was planning to buy something larger but because of insurance I think I might a year more. Here's my question. What is the general idea about lowering this type of car?

Everything is stock apart from the rims, which are the larger Focus RS rims I bought the car with (I presume they are 19 inch).

I want to lower the car considering how high it stands right now. There is a huge gap which I would like to close down, but still have practicality. My budget is low, and I don't want to invest into high quality springs/ coilovers/ whatever is needed (unless I have to).

I'll attach a photo or two.

Thank you guys!

[GingerFlame]

Whatever you do, Do not skrimp on anything to do with your chassis, driveline or suspension.

If you cant afford to do it, then you probably can't afford to insure it either.

Wait till you can afford some Eibach lowering springs then give your insurance a call

[kpg]

I had Apex and H&R 40mm on mine and loved it :)

Sent from the pub with a pint in the other hand.

[Olaf]

Whatever you do, Do not skrimp on anything to do with your chassis, driveline or suspension.

If you cant afford to do it, then you probably can't afford to insure it either.

Wait till you can afford some Eibach lowering springs then give your insurance a call

With regards to insurance, don't worry about it :)

With regards to springs, if I bought high quality lowering springs, like you mention, Eibach... Then later down the line when I change cars (most possibly a 3 series BMW), will those springs fit? I'm completely new in this topic.

[GingerFlame]

Alot of VAG (MOST GERMAN) cars have groups of vehicles that share a suspension platform, so if you had a VAG car then the answer would be yes

Unfortunately, the chances of Focus springs fitting a BMW are second to none.

Just sell the car with them fitted, or take them off and sell them on.

Just don't cheap out on springs. It'll end in tears.. or worse. Buy cheap by twice, if you survive

[Lenny]

Just in case I posted it in the wrong section, I'll quote it here as well. You may delete the one that's wrong.

Hello guys.

I have a Ford Focus Studio (1.4) from 2005, it's the second generation. It's generally my first car and I was planning to buy something larger but because of insurance I think I might a year more. Here's my question. What is the general idea about lowering this type of car?

Everything is stock apart from the rims, which are the larger Focus RS rims I bought the car with (I presume they are 19 inch).

I want to lower the car considering how high it stands right now. There is a huge gap which I would like to close down, but still have practicality. My budget is low, and I don't want to invest into high quality springs/ coilovers/ whatever is needed (unless I have to).

I'll attach a photo or two.

Thank you guys!

Welcome to the forum,

From looking at the picture you added above;

It looks like the focus is already lowerd on Eibach springs from Ford,

If possible; upload a full side view picture of the focus,

If it doesn't lean towards the front then it's on lowering springs already.

Focus Mk2 is the same chassis as MK2.5 2005-2011

Here's mine lowerd on Eibach springs

Still has a level of arch Gap.

I'm happy with this stance as it's my daily driver and family vehicle it's sutable for all road types.

if going lower than this I suggest fitting adjustable coilovers

BEFORE LOWERING

AFTER LOWERING

[Lenny]

[Olaf]

[Olaf]

Note that this photo was taken with a lot of weight in the back.

[kpg]

This is my old MK2 on Apex 40mm:

This is on H&R 40mm:

Apex lowered better on the rear. Was never happy with the H&R rears but they were a lot more comfortable.

Sent from the pub with a pint in the other hand.

[Olaf]

Here's another (just done recently), with much less weight in the back.

[Lenny]

Note that this photo was taken with a lot of weight in the back.

looks to me as if it has already been lowered mate,

The arch Gap level is almost equal and the window sill line doesn't lean towards the front,

It's completely level.

If your in shopping centre car park compare your ride height to other focus models such as "style" & "climate" or "LX"

If your wing mirror is slightly lower than there's then it's definitely been lowered already.

An ST spoiler or some "cross drill & grooved" brake discs with painted drums and calipers would make a nice improvement to appearance if not spending on springs.

some anti theft McGuard wheel lock nuts would be highly recommend 👍

Alternatively you can find these and other ideas on my build thread here:

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/41443-taking-oval-to-blue-horizon-lennys-build-thread-2010-2013/

Also my full list of Guides can be viewed here:

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/68214-full-list-lennys-guides/?p=463230

[Olaf]

Bought these bad boys today!

[theredfox]

are you fitting new shocks to go with springs??? as the original are probably worn

[Olaf]

are you fitting new shocks to go with springs??? as the original are probably worn

I am not. I'm not sure how worn (if worn) are they, but I'll found out at the garage when I leave the focus on Thursday. The guy was 80 quid for fitting for the 4 springs. He's a specialist in Ford ST and RS. Good price?

[Lenny]

I am not. I'm not sure how worn (if worn) are they, but I'll found out at the garage when I leave the focus on Thursday. The guy was 80 quid for fitting for the 4 springs. He's a specialist in Ford ST and RS. Good price?

don't forget to get the laser tracking alignment done a few weeks after lowering to correct camber and prevent excessive premature tyre wear.

[GingerFlame]

You should really change the shocks to shorter ones when lowering.. If not then you're asking for problems and failed shocks

www.yorkshiredetailing.co.uk - approved resellers of the Highest quality detailing & Valeting supplies

[Olaf]

I'll forget about shocks, I'll see what state they're in now - but if they're ok, I'll not change them. It's only a 30-35mm drop.

Is 80 pounds good price for fitting springs?

[Lenny]

You should really change the shocks to shorter ones when lowering.. If not then you're asking for problems and failed shocks

www.yorkshiredetailing.co.uk - approved resellers of the Highest quality Detailing & Valeting supplies

The focus zetec models are 30mm lower than standard but ford fit same shocks to all varients

I've ford supplied Eibach 35mm lowering springs fitted over two years now and no weeping shocks

I'll forget about shocks, I'll see what state they're in now - but if they're ok, I'll not change them. It's only a 30-35mm drop.

Is 80 pounds good price for fitting springs?

yep,

Ford charged me 324 euro at the time for just fitting and didn't correct the camber

[Olaf]

Lenny, what other budget mods would you recommend on this matter as I wait for the fitting of the springs (on Thursday!).

I considered changing bulbs, adding extra lights of some sort (I wish I had footwell lights, I don't), window tinting perhaps if it's cheap, wind deflectors...

[kpg]

Lenny, what other budget mods would you recommend on this matter as I wait for the fitting of the springs (on Thursday!).

I considered changing bulbs, adding extra lights of some sort (I wish I had footwell lights, I don't), window tinting perhaps if it's cheap, wind deflectors...

If you're interested in some other mods, this is my old MK2 thread. There's a good few bits on there, I can hardly remember most of them lol Have a look if you're interested, you may get some ideas: http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/59644-kpgs-focus-mk2-titanium/

:)

[Olaf]

If you're interested in some other mods, this is my old MK2 thread. There's a good few bits on there, I can hardly remember most of them lol Have a look if you're interested, you may get some ideas: http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/59644-kpgs-focus-mk2-titanium/

:)

Thanks buddy. I wish I got onto this forum earlier, I lived in Tyrone for the past 10 years until this September :P

As to my car, I wish it wasn't silver. I'm kind of looking at all these blacks and such and I'm jealous as hell.

[kpg]

Thanks buddy. I wish I got onto this forum earlier, I lived in Tyrone for the past 10 years until this September :P

As to my car, I wish it wasn't silver. I'm kind of looking at all these blacks and such and I'm jealous as hell.

Tyrone is not that far from Derry where I live :)

Silver can still look really cool. I know Lenny's is a MK2.5 but his looks awesome and has a serious list of mods in there.

A good start for yours would be bumpers/lowering. The Focus CC front bumper is an excellent upgrade. Completely transforms the front end. Example:

[Olaf]

Good call! Where would the cheapest and best place to get something like that?

Also, how do you guys fit and mod your cars? All by yourself? Labour is very expensive (80pound to fit springs) - especially when you're like me with almost no technical knowledge.

[kpg]

Good call! Where would the cheapest and best place to get something like that?

Also, how do you guys fit and mod your cars? All by yourself? Labour is very expensive (80pound to fit springs) - especially when you're like me with almost no technical knowledge.

eBay would be the best bet for a second hand bumper.

Other stuff like springs I would attempt myself but it's not for everyone. £80 isn't that bad for fitting springs. Other stuff like LED strips, head units, DRLs, centre consoles etc I would give it a go if I was you. Plenty of learning opportunities that's for sure lol All that stuff, bar springs, I did myself on my old MK2. Even wiring in the head unit and reverse camera. It's not hard, just takes time.