Whiteline do various different length rose jointed adjustable droplinks that would fit .

As has been said, the 3-door has the smallest one on at 14mm compared to the 2wd Sapphire at 16mm, the 4x4 Sapphire at 18mm and the Escort at 22mm.

I have no idea what effect running without one would have on a 3-door, so can't help there.