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Jason_C_SBB

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
SVT suspension kit Q\'s

Hi, I want to buy an SVT suspension kit for my ZX5.

1) New larger bushings for the larger rear sway aren't included. So do the original ZX5 (20mm) bushings work with the new 21mm swaybar?

2) Rear bumpstops aren't included. Are the ZX5 rear bumpstops the same as the SVT?

Thanks for helping a newbie.
 
#2 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

1) The original bushings will work for your new sway bar. In fact, it's better to use the OEM bushings for this because of their shape. Polyurethane endlinks provide some improvement, but the bushings themselves should be rubber.

2) I don't know on this one. My SVT kit came with bumpstops.
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#3 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

The OE SVT endlinks for the rear bar are made of a harder material than the OE ZX3.

The bar bushing is the same; same part number.

And of course, it's a tighter fit so use some soapy water and tap the bushing mount shells onto the bushing using a dead-blow mallet.

I remember installing bumpstops on the rear shocks, but I don't remember if they came in the kit or if I used the ZX3's...
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Damn...sorry 'bout that.

Either way, I did use everything that came in the SVT Kit; the only things missing were the SVT endlinks, which I later procured from a 'jetter that was planning to use urethane.

So if the only things missing from the SVT Kit were the endlinks, then i must have installed the SVT-specific bumpstops, again, which go onto the rear shocktops.

Anyhoo...
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Discussion starter · #4 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

Thanks all. The kit does come with front SVT bumpstops, I'm wondering why it doesn't come with the rears....

Another Q: I don't need the P-51 shims for the SVT kit to prevent noises, right?

And another: Are the only bushing differences between SVT and ZX5 the front and rear swaybar endlinks?
 
#5 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

You don't need the P-51 shims, but they will help a little. It's up to you.

And the front swaybar is the same for SVT and other Foci, including endlinks. I think.
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#6 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

The rear shocks have the bump stops on them already, in the kit.
I have the kit here, just too lazy to take a picture. I'm 100% sure though.
If you look on the Ford Racing picture...the white/yellow things are the bump stops on the shocks:
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#10 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

The bushing pic'd two posts above is the rear shock and bumpstop cap.

There is a bearing for the front struttop; that is essential.
 
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#11 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

Yeah Z63R is right

The bump stops for the (front) struts are the little black things in the whole suspension (Ford Racing) picture. They come with the kit too.

The strut bearings you need to swap over from your current struts or buy new ones.

Essentially, you need to swap over your strut boot, strut mount, strut bearing, & spring mounting plate over from your current (stock) struts to the SVT kit to bolt it all together.

You get the new bump stops & nut (for the top of the strut) in the kit.
 
#12 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

The black bushing in the SVT kit picture above. I forgot to put those on when I installed my SVT front struts. Is it essential? Just curious.
Click to expand...
What do you know... I did the same stupid thing, thinking they went in the back for some reason, and I re-used the original ones in the front.
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Guess what I'll be doing tomorrow?
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Anyway, the rest of the kit is on and the first drive was impressive. This won't be the last set of suspension that goes on the car, but I am glad that it was the first.
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>8^)
ER
 
#13 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

Mine is all on correctly, but what's pissing me off is a rattle/clunk/noise from the right rear after EVERY little tiny bump.
I mean literally EVERY little bump in the road. It's REALLY annoying.

I don't know if it's because of the P-51 shims, but I'm gonna take them out and try it without.
If that doesn't work, then I'm gonna make sure the springs are sitting correctly.
 
#14 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

a rattle/clunk/noise from the right rear after EVERY little tiny bump
Click to expand...
It's prolly that the shock top post/nut/grommet/washer/shim is not quite secure.
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#15 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

Mine is all on correctly, but what's pissing me off is a rattle/clunk/noise from the right rear after EVERY little tiny bump.
Click to expand...
I have exactly the same noise in exactly the same spot! If you find out what it is, let me know.
Image
 
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#16 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

Mine is all on correctly, but what's pissing me off is a rattle/clunk/noise from the right rear after EVERY little tiny bump.
Click to expand...
I have exactly the same noise in exactly the same spot! If you find out what it is, let me know.
Image
Click to expand...
It's prolly that the shock top post/nut/grommet/washer/shim is not quite secure.
Click to expand...
Image
 
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#17 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

Why should I listen to you?
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Is that nut under the rear interior panels?
 
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#18 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

Ja.

The threads on the upper shock post stop at a certain point; be sure the threads aren't gacked and that the nut is all way the down to that point.

Also, be sure that the OE upper shock mount pads are seated in their original postion.

I have gone before thee; I have performed my own SVT swap (as you know) without incident and have assisted others who've attempted to install a third application of OE SVT Focus suspension bits where these shock posts I speak were indeed GACKED and where I had to perform a shock post thread emergency surgery.
This is why one should listen to the voice of wisdom and experience...
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#19 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

I have exactly the same noise in exactly the same spot! If you find out what it is, let me know.
Image
Click to expand...
Yeah I was thinking about PM'ing you and asking you if you had the same problem because we're running the same setup.

I checked the top mount and undid it & retightened it down all the way 3 different times and it still does it. I can't figure it out.
Everything is seated correctly too.

I'm just gonna swap back to stock. I wanna get rid of this car anyways.
Just not doing it for me and it's a sinkhole for money.
 
#20 ·
Re: SVT suspension kit Q\'s

Id difference between a stock ZX3 and a SVT sups. setup a big difference riding in it? AFter I installed my rims, I thought the car's handling would change, but it did'nt really. Does this SVT setup help alot? Thanks!
 
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