Chassis and Suspension Refresher!

[02_SVT_Focus]

At 122,000 Miles, I figured it would be a good idea to replace control arms and ball joints with an aggressive suspension. Still missing the rear lower arms, some new boots and bump stops. But as you can tell, just got completely adjustable and am super psyched to get this on this weekend and hit the autocross!

[Z63R]

Still missing the rear lower arms...

Remember to buy all four lower arms.

Are you installing new front bar endlinks?

Are those H&Rs Race springs?


New bits are fun.

[brads03zx3]

Wow that is a huge RSB. Is that the 28mm setup? Sounds uncomfortable to me, but I'm a weenie

Let us know how the AGX's handle the race springs. I'd imagine they would do fine and probably only give up a small bit of control vs the Konis. Enjoy

[02_SVT_Focus]

Originally Posted by Z63R

Remember to buy all four lower arms.

Are you installing new front bar endlinks?

Are those H&Rs Race springs?


New bits are fun.

That is a 24 or 25mm rear bar. Front bar endlinks i did not too long ago and should be ok.

As far as AGX with H&R Race. They will probably only last a couple years.

[SVTADAM]

Since you have an 02, make sure you have the reinforced rear control arms...especially with a rear bar that big. That will cause added stress to the arm and could cause it to fail where the endlink attaches. Look for cracks first. If there arent any, and you are lucky enough to know someone with a welder, can weld some plates on for reinforcement like I did. Or just pick up new lower arms...after 02 they got reinforcement plates!

Good choices all around. You will not be disappointed...except when you have to put on new dampers after the AGX bust out on ya. Hopefully that wont be for a while.

[brads03zx3]

He's using some pretty stiff springs though, so vertical displacement of the control arms won't be very significant (approximately 1/3 what the stock springs allow). Definitely keep an eye on them, but problems typically occur with soft springs and huge bar because the majority of the load is on the end link, not the spring perch.

[Foci_Fosho]

That looks to be a progress 22mm RSB.

I have that with my AGX + Sprint springs and It is a great setup.
Great job in selecting those components to mix and match, I am sure the ride will be balanced. Mine is as it is now, minus the camber plates/bolts and alignment.

[02_SVT_Focus]

Originally Posted by SVTADAM

Good choices all around. You will not be disappointed...except when you have to put on new dampers after the AGX bust out on ya. Hopefully that wont be for a while.

Well I am ordering new Rear Arms all the way around, so I would think they would be reinforced and not OE stock since 02.

As far as the AGX's, i know they cannot handle the race springs rates. But the Koni Yellows are way too much for me right now and I am honestly hoping to get about 2 years with the AGX's if I can. But I would settle for a year and a half.

At about that time my payments will be up and then this car will become a sunday driver and total fun project racer anyways.

[SVTADAM]

Cool. Good plan.

[Ataru]

How much did you end up spending total? Breakdown on separate parts.

I need to do a suspension refresh soon I think.

[bunksvt]

wow very nice set up you got going for you.....you might wanna get those bumpstops on before you drive the car....I drove mine without bumpstops for like 8k and omg it bottomed like crazy!!

[02_SVT_Focus]

Oh god Ataru. I'll try to be as accurate as possible.

1. Rear Shocks I paid $100 from Jon (Disrupter on here).
2. Front AGX I went through Tirerack. $112 Ea. plus shipping (might have been free)
3. H&R Race Springs were from the Rack as well. $205 (shipping may have been free)
4. C-F-M for the LCR Plates. Got the sports for a little give. $325 plus shipping (might have been free).
5. Front lower control arms and SPC rear adjustables I scored from work for free.
6. Sway bar I bought on here or fanatics. I want to say for $120 shipped.

I still need to buy the four other rear control arms as well from the Ford Dealer. When its all said and done, should be just over a grand.

[SVTADAM]

Any particular reason you are replacing all the rear control arms? I would think that the ony ones that may need it due to rusted/fused bolts would be the LCA. I think the dogbone one has a relativey long lifespan due small bushings. What do I know...mine were fine and I burnt mine out and replaced with poly!

[02_SVT_Focus]

To be honest. I have this complex that I think it would just be more reliable and safer to do these mods with a brand new suspension chassis. The car is about to roll over 122,000 mile on the original arms. Those who know me out here could vouge that I drive the car pretty hard every single day, pretty much spirited driving full time. Blame it on the car being too much damn fun as it is. And even though professional opinion says that its probably not necessary, it will make me feel better if I simple replace the arms and bushings with a fresh set all around.

I thought about going Poly, but i would like a smidgen of give since its a daily driver as well.

[Z63R]

Any particular reason you are replacing all the rear control arms?

It's good to replace the control arms for the fresh, new rubber bushings in both ends of each arm.

[rosko311]

Nice setup!! Can't wait to see the final outcome....needs pics when finished

[02_SVT_Focus]

Just ordered the last four control arms, which were more expensive than i thought. 10% over cost my ASS! This has now become a $1200 overhall. It should be worth it in the end I hope.

[SVTADAM]

And now you start to think...would it have been more fun to just change the ball joints...and do a few poly bushings...lol.

I dont daily drive my car, but everyone that drives it tells me that for having the suspension modded as I do, it is quite civil on the road.

[02_SVT_Focus]

I don't question anything that I do. I just do it and go...eh *****. But I cannot afford to have my car down for more than one day to replace bushings and anything else. I will probably have my old arms on here for dirt cheap for people to do with as they please.

[SVTADAM]

Good idea. Recycle!

[02_SVT_Focus]

My work will probably look at them first. I just can't wait to get it all on and aligned. Have a few other little tidings I'd like to do....and then woohoo