I have a 2000 registration 2.0 16v zetec 3 door.

My friend has the same car and lowered his 40mm, but though it appears lowered, it could do with maybe a 50mm drop instead.

I then did some research and found the ST170 is apparently 20mm lower than standard focus's ? Is this true?

If i purchased 40mm springs or 30mm springs for an ST170 would it make mine sit lower than say if i bought the actual 40mm springs designed for my car?

Thanks

 

Yeah that's right, although most of the time a spring will be -40mm, which will be on something like yours and only give a st a drop of -20mm

 

I always thought the ST170m was 10mm lower? But yes as you say ST lowering springs will lower a lesser model further as they are lower to start with.

Don't go silly low though, else you will end up ruining geometery etc.

Martin

 

I believe the ST springs are a harder spring due to the ST being heavier......may effect ride height.

You be better off getting some lowering springs specific to your model

 

True, but I don't think just as the springs are uprated that it will effect the ride height, they are two different things so far as I know?

Martin

 

Ive ordered some 40mm for my specific model.

I understand the fronts are the same to change as they are on most Fords of that era, but the rears, the springs and the shocks are not one unit? How do i go about removing those springs? Do i need to just use spring compressors? Or do i need to undo the shock inside the boot to drop down the rear arms? Thanks

 

Backs seem fairly straight forward, unlike my Sierra which I have been trying to do for a while, I should think your plan seems likely, i.e. undo the bottom or top damper mount!

I should think the fronts would be harder to to the fact you have to remove the strut which can be tricky when coming to remove it from the hub, you will need a hammer and drift ideally. You will also need a set of spring compressors, else you if you try and remove the springs serious personal injury will result!

Martin

 

I have done this job before but always when the spring was part of the shock absorber, like on the fronts, i have clamps . Thanks