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

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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.