'06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! - Focaljet

**Olek** · 02-28-2006, 09:02 PM

OK folks, just a heads up. I ordered the sport springs (part no.51665 from H&R). These springs will not fit. Either I got a funny focus or ford changed something and did not notify anyone.

Well I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. (sorry about the quality, cameraphone...)

The OEM assembly:

The H&R in my hand next to OEM assembly (see the problem?):

The OEM "plate/bracket thingy" the diameter tapers off !!!:

I hope you find this info useful. H&R get your **** together please.

Cheers folks. I am currently looking into the cup kit since that replaces everything. Question now .... will it fit???

**svt4cus** · 02-28-2006, 09:07 PM

where did you order your sespension from cause i gonna order the H&R suspension for my svt they sell them on focus sport the total is about $1300 for the whole thing and also the sway bars are included i think

**Olek** · 02-28-2006, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svt4cus

where did you order your sespension from cause i gonna order the H&R suspension for my svt they sell them on focus sport the total is about $1300 for the whole thing and also the sway bars are included i think

I ordered it from Essex Distributors (Canadian site) not their fault. H&R does have the box labelled correctly. I think ford pulled a fast one here....

**OneAMCoffee** · 02-28-2006, 09:12 PM

What about aftermarket struts?

-Ryan

**Olek** · 02-28-2006, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneAMCoffee

What about aftermarket struts?

-Ryan

.... that's not the point man. I'm pissed off cause I thought all will be nice and low today. And the freakin' things don't fit was there a change between 05 & 06? I don't know but would sure as hell like to know.

Just mad.

**Z63R** · 02-28-2006, 09:16 PM

This is news to all of us (if I may say so).

Let me understand: The OE front coil spring on your '06 Focus ST has a reduced diameter at the bottom coil?

This is the first I've seen of this. I can see the difference in the spring saddle on your strut, but would like a pic of just your coil as it is oriented on the strut.

**Olek** · 02-28-2006, 09:23 PM

Sorry, that's all the pics I took.

The car is put together already. In my second pic you can see, the OEM spring tapers (on both top & bottom....)

**Z63R** · 02-28-2006, 09:53 PM

Copy that; see it now.

I understand your frustration, but if one is going to be 'mad' at anyone, it should be Ford Media or whatever for not releasing the specs on this change... then again, I think I've seen it said that (whomever) may change specs without notice or something to that effect...

Wonder what P-51 might have to say on the issue, being somewhat of an 'insider'...

Again, Olek; this is the first we've seen of this. A solution is around the corner, so to speak, in that you may be able to use an aftermarket or even an SVT strut if all else in your suspension remains the same as the pre-'06 Focuses.

Good luck and have patience; your car will be lowered soon enough.

**OneAMCoffee** · 02-28-2006, 11:33 PM

Olek, sorry if I came off wrong, just wondering because I ordered my suspension today, however I got KYB struts. I know it sucks but I guess if you would like you can look at that as a positve note that you have to get struts now... All up to you.

-Ryan

**Olek** · 03-01-2006, 12:01 AM

No worries Ryan

I was just pissed at the moment... Now with the ST focus I have, that is supposed to have some SVT components, etc. I am unsure if even struts labelled to fit an 05 will fit....

I will have answers tomorrow for y'all.

Alex

**Kaduku** · 03-01-2006, 01:06 AM

Are you sure you didnt get ZX3/ZX5? And you made sure it was ZTS/ZX4???

**OneAMCoffee** · 03-01-2006, 01:16 AM

I'm about 10000% sure he isn't that dumb...

-Ryan

**Olek** · 03-01-2006, 02:18 AM

No I ordered what they had. I also called ahead and asked the distributor. Since I can't hotlink to the H&R website (cause they use frames) I am attaching a link to the screen shot.

What you guys can't believe this screw up? Well neither can I..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ics/hrsite.jpg

Check the part number for the "sport springs" this is what I ordered. Which one of you with a 2006 focus took his car up on a hoist took of his wheels to prove me wrong?

**OneAMCoffee** · 03-01-2006, 02:27 AM

Hmm... Could it be because the ST has a 'sport-tuned' suspension?

-Ryan

**Kaduku** · 03-01-2006, 02:27 AM

yea but is the zx4 different than the zx3? Cause it just says "not wagon" that could mean its for the zx4 or the zx3....and yea, it could be the sport tuned thing cause they have the svt shocks, mightneed to replace the shocks too?

**Olek** · 03-01-2006, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaduku

yea but is the zx4 different than the zx3? Cause it just says "not wagon" that could mean its for the zx4 or the zx3....and yea, it could be the sport tuned thing cause they have the svt shocks, mightneed to replace the shocks too?

By the way the kit also fits all SVT's so I'll say it again. Ford changed something and did not notify anyone.

Curiously Steeda springs are only listed for focus up to '05

**P-51** · 03-01-2006, 08:08 AM

First of all, let me make it clear, Olek didn't do anything wrong. ALL Foci have ALWAYS had interchangeable parts up front. This is something new for 06.

I had heard that the struts were changing for 06 (originally I thought 05, but that turned out to be wrong. I even posted about it here like a year ago).

So, now we know that they did in fact change something on the struts. For the life of me, I can't figure out why they did that with the springs. I don't get the point. It's not like they saved material on the lower spring seat, since it's all still there, they just didn't stamp it into the shape of a seat.

Getting new struts could solve the problem, but BE CAREFUL! I heard the struts themselves might be different. In particular, the diameter where the strut goes into the knuckle. Somebody is going to have to look into this.

Also, I don't really know why anybody could fault Ford for changing specs. It's not like they're bound by any law or agreement to never change the cars, so aftermarket parts that void the warranty will always fit.

**OneAMCoffee** · 03-01-2006, 08:22 AM

From what I got from just a tape measure is somewhere between 2 1/4" - 2 1/2" I know that is a rather large gap but its just a ball part measurement to see if the numbers look different to anyone else.

-Ryan

**whiteboyslo** · 03-01-2006, 09:52 AM

looks VERY familiar to a Mazda 3 setup.....

does the teop plate still consist of a plate with 3 studs placed equi-distant from one another that then go through the inner fender, or is it a plate with threaded holes where the bolt spacing is uneven and you run a bolt through the top?

Mike

**Olek** · 03-01-2006, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whiteboyslo

looks VERY familiar to a Mazda 3 setup.....

does the teop plate still consist of a plate with 3 studs placed equi-distant from one another that then go through the inner fender, or is it a plate with threaded holes where the bolt spacing is uneven and you run a bolt through the top?

Mike

Sorry, don't have an answer for you. Nor do I have the pic of the top.

I wish I did.... on another note anyone with a mazda3 and aftermarket springs care to speak up if your aftermarket springs taper off? If they do I'll just order the mazda3 springs.

Cheers,

Alex

**paulhaskew** · 03-01-2006, 07:08 PM

wow, I feel for ya... you still got those H&R Springs? or did you return them already?

**whiteboyslo** · 03-01-2006, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olek

Sorry, don't have an answer for you. Nor do I have the pic of the top.

I wish I did.... on another note anyone with a mazda3 and aftermarket springs care to speak up if your aftermarket springs taper off? If they do I'll just order the mazda3 springs.

Cheers,

Alex

i recently helped an FJ member install springs on his 3. IIRC, the taper at the TOP, but NOT the bottom.

sorry to get your hopes up.

Mike

**Olek** · 03-01-2006, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulhaskew

wow, I feel for ya... you still got those H&R Springs? or did you return them already?

Still have them. Currently speaking with H&R to work something out. I don't really want to return them and leave it at that.

I want my car lowered so I am looking into coil over thingys or cup kit. Just a matter is it will fit. I'd use the current H&R's as credit towards something better....

Cheers.

p.s. Mike, no worries about getting my hopes up, just wanted to know how many things are similar on ford & mazda..

**BlacKnight** · 03-03-2006, 01:41 PM

My parts catalogs don't tell me what the differences are, but they do have new part numbers for 2006. That and they haven't changed the earlier model part numbers tells me that there is a significant difference in the struts.

02-28-2006, 09:02 PM	#1
Olek TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Britannia Beach, BC Posts: 146	'06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! OK folks, just a heads up. I ordered the sport springs (part no.51665 from H&R). These springs will not fit. Either I got a funny focus or ford changed something and did not notify anyone. Well I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. (sorry about the quality, cameraphone...) The OEM assembly: The H&R in my hand next to OEM assembly (see the problem?): The OEM "plate/bracket thingy" the diameter tapers off !!!: I hope you find this info useful. H&R get your **** together please. Cheers folks. I am currently looking into the cup kit since that replaces everything. Question now .... will it fit??? __________________ 2006-Focus-ZX4-ST-2.3L-5-speed-loaded. K&N C.A.I. & PIAA 520's installed. H&R sport springs --did not fit !!!-- :(

02-28-2006, 09:07 PM	#2
svt4cus TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: virginia beach Posts: 300	Re: '06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! where did you order your sespension from cause i gonna order the H&R suspension for my svt they sell them on focus sport the total is about $1300 for the whole thing and also the sway bars are included i think

02-28-2006, 09:12 PM	#4
OneAMCoffee TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Menomonee Falls, WI Posts: 425	Re: '06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! What about aftermarket struts? -Ryan __________________ 2006 Focus ZX3 SES Liquid Grey 2.0L (D20) 5-Speed - Steeda STS, HKS Hi-Power Exhaust

02-28-2006, 09:16 PM	#6
Z63R Official [FJ] Distinguished Advisor Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 20,050	Re: '06 ST - OE front coil spring is now different This is news to all of us (if I may say so). Let me understand: The OE front coil spring on your '06 Focus ST has a reduced diameter at the bottom coil? This is the first I've seen of this. I can see the difference in the spring saddle on your strut, but would like a pic of just your coil as it is oriented on the strut. __________________ . “The whole history of science has been the gradual realization that events do not happen in an arbitrary manner, but that they reflect a certain underlying order, which may or may not be divinely inspired.” - Stephen Hawking 2.3 Duratec ZX3 + some bits + another pic :-)~

02-28-2006, 09:23 PM	#7
Olek TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Britannia Beach, BC Posts: 146	Re: '06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! Sorry, that's all the pics I took. The car is put together already. In my second pic you can see, the OEM spring tapers (on both top & bottom....) __________________ 2006-Focus-ZX4-ST-2.3L-5-speed-loaded. K&N C.A.I. & PIAA 520's installed. H&R sport springs --did not fit !!!-- :(

02-28-2006, 09:53 PM	#8
Z63R Official [FJ] Distinguished Advisor Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 20,050	Re: '06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! Copy that; see it now. I understand your frustration, but if one is going to be 'mad' at anyone, it should be Ford Media or whatever for not releasing the specs on this change... then again, I think I've seen it said that (whomever) may change specs without notice or something to that effect... Wonder what P-51 might have to say on the issue, being somewhat of an 'insider'... Again, Olek; this is the first we've seen of this. A solution is around the corner, so to speak, in that you may be able to use an aftermarket or even an SVT strut if all else in your suspension remains the same as the pre-'06 Focuses. Good luck and have patience; your car will be lowered soon enough. __________________ . “The whole history of science has been the gradual realization that events do not happen in an arbitrary manner, but that they reflect a certain underlying order, which may or may not be divinely inspired.” - Stephen Hawking 2.3 Duratec ZX3 + some bits + another pic :-)~

02-28-2006, 11:33 PM	#9
OneAMCoffee TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Menomonee Falls, WI Posts: 425	Re: '06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! Olek, sorry if I came off wrong, just wondering because I ordered my suspension today, however I got KYB struts. I know it sucks but I guess if you would like you can look at that as a positve note that you have to get struts now... All up to you. -Ryan __________________ 2006 Focus ZX3 SES Liquid Grey 2.0L (D20) 5-Speed - Steeda STS, HKS Hi-Power Exhaust

03-01-2006, 12:01 AM	#10
Olek TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Britannia Beach, BC Posts: 146	Re: '06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! No worries Ryan I was just pissed at the moment... Now with the ST focus I have, that is supposed to have some SVT components, etc. I am unsure if even struts labelled to fit an 05 will fit.... I will have answers tomorrow for y'all. Alex __________________ 2006-Focus-ZX4-ST-2.3L-5-speed-loaded. K&N C.A.I. & PIAA 520's installed. H&R sport springs --did not fit !!!-- :(

03-01-2006, 01:06 AM	#11
Kaduku Senior TEAM Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Silverdale, WA Posts: 1,355	Re: '06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! Are you sure you didnt get ZX3/ZX5? And you made sure it was ZTS/ZX4??? __________________ 05 Liquid Grey SES ZX3 Mods: Custom Exhaust, MM CAI, FS Strut Tower Bar, Smoked Corners, Smoked Tails, Fog Light Mod [SOLD] 02 WorldRallyBlue WRX Sedan Espelir Exhaust, Titek DP, DomTuned, GPMoto Short ram, Tokico D Spec struts/springs, STi trunk swapped, JDM STi scoop and grille, KB Short Shifter w/ bushings, and a few other fun stuff. 03 French Blue ZX5: Project MPG Bone Stock.

03-01-2006, 01:16 AM	#12
OneAMCoffee TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Menomonee Falls, WI Posts: 425	Re: '06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! I'm about 10000% sure he isn't that dumb... -Ryan __________________ 2006 Focus ZX3 SES Liquid Grey 2.0L (D20) 5-Speed - Steeda STS, HKS Hi-Power Exhaust

03-01-2006, 02:18 AM	#13
Olek TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Britannia Beach, BC Posts: 146	Re: '06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! No I ordered what they had. I also called ahead and asked the distributor. Since I can't hotlink to the H&R website (cause they use frames) I am attaching a link to the screen shot. What you guys can't believe this screw up? Well neither can I.. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ics/hrsite.jpg Check the part number for the "sport springs" this is what I ordered. Which one of you with a 2006 focus took his car up on a hoist took of his wheels to prove me wrong? __________________ 2006-Focus-ZX4-ST-2.3L-5-speed-loaded. K&N C.A.I. & PIAA 520's installed. H&R sport springs --did not fit !!!-- :(

03-01-2006, 02:27 AM	#14
OneAMCoffee TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Menomonee Falls, WI Posts: 425	Re: '06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! Hmm... Could it be because the ST has a 'sport-tuned' suspension? -Ryan __________________ 2006 Focus ZX3 SES Liquid Grey 2.0L (D20) 5-Speed - Steeda STS, HKS Hi-Power Exhaust

03-01-2006, 08:08 AM	#17
P-51 [FJ] Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Brighton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 14,940	Re: '06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! First of all, let me make it clear, Olek didn't do anything wrong. ALL Foci have ALWAYS had interchangeable parts up front. This is something new for 06. I had heard that the struts were changing for 06 (originally I thought 05, but that turned out to be wrong. I even posted about it here like a year ago). So, now we know that they did in fact change something on the struts. For the life of me, I can't figure out why they did that with the springs. I don't get the point. It's not like they saved material on the lower spring seat, since it's all still there, they just didn't stamp it into the shape of a seat. Getting new struts could solve the problem, but BE CAREFUL! I heard the struts themselves might be different. In particular, the diameter where the strut goes into the knuckle. Somebody is going to have to look into this. Also, I don't really know why anybody could fault Ford for changing specs. It's not like they're bound by any law or agreement to never change the cars, so aftermarket parts that void the warranty will always fit. __________________ Lefebvre Performance Engineering "I'd rather be right than consistent" - Winston Churchill

03-01-2006, 08:22 AM	#18
OneAMCoffee TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Menomonee Falls, WI Posts: 425	Re: '06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! From what I got from just a tape measure is somewhere between 2 1/4" - 2 1/2" I know that is a rather large gap but its just a ball part measurement to see if the numbers look different to anyone else. -Ryan __________________ 2006 Focus ZX3 SES Liquid Grey 2.0L (D20) 5-Speed - Steeda STS, HKS Hi-Power Exhaust

03-01-2006, 07:08 PM	#21
paulhaskew Senior TEAM Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pierce County, WA Posts: 3,322	Re: '06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! wow, I feel for ya... you still got those H&R Springs? or did you return them already? __________________ 2005 CD Silver ST-T - Too much FWHP! Motive Racing - [> = my friend! I, like God, do not play with dice and do not believe in coincidence. Words are the means to meaning, and for some, the annunciation of truth. And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country.

03-03-2006, 01:41 PM	#24
BlacKnight Rookie Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 18	Re: '06 ST - H&R springs do not fit !!! My parts catalogs don't tell me what the differences are, but they do have new part numbers for 2006. That and they haven't changed the earlier model part numbers tells me that there is a significant difference in the struts.