The rear springs will be the hardest part. Your best bet is go get a spring compressor that will fit in there to get the old springs out and will help get the new ones in. That way you can avoid taking the bolt out of the lower control arm which is usually seized on most cars.

 

so everything will basically explain themselves once i dig into the install? I mean It will be pretty obvious what bolts need to come off? I know this sounds dumb but I just want to make sure I'm prepared before I go for it.

 

Yeah, it's not hard, especially if you aren't taking the old front struts apart. Get some PB Blaster and you should be set.

For the front, raise and support vehicle.
Remove wheels.
Remove sway bar endlink from strut or swaybar, whichever is easier.
Unclip brake line from strut.
Unclip ABS connector if you have ABS.
Remove knuckle to strut clamp bolt.
Stomp on knuckle to get it free from the strut.
Support strut and remove three small nuts from the tophat.
Remove strut assembly.
Install new assembly and torque properly.

I haven't done it in a while, but it should be close to that for the front. Rears are easier. The shocks are a nut on top in the car and one bolt down below. Springs need to be compressed out unless you want to attempt to remove the bolt. Keep the shocks disconnected and remove the sway bar for some extra room.

Up front, you may run into trouble with the sway bar endlink if you live in a salty winter area. There are flats to get a grip on or an allen key, but sometimes it needs to be cut off. They are cheap and a wear item as well so it's not a bad idea to replace them anyway.

 

Awesome!!! Thanks for the help. I think I'm going to go for it and will post any "emergency" questions if they arise.

 

Awesome!!! Thanks for the help. I think I'm going to go for it and will post any "emergency" questions if they arise.

No problem. Good luck! Go slow and you'll be fine.

 

http://jason.hodges.cc/suspension.htm

 

No problem. Good luck! Go slow and you'll be fine.

That is good advice! The first time I did suspension work it took me all weekend to do. Now that I have done it a few times I can do it fairly fast. However it is always best to take your time and do it right.

 

WOW Ataru that is EXACTLY what I was looking for. You are Gold! Now I'm excited about doing this. I plan on blocking out the whole weekend to make sure I have plenty of "cool down" time for if things get frustrating but I don't see that happening with this awesome guidance. I'm even feeling more comfortable about using a spring compressor now. That way I can get the kit that includes the rear SVT bar.

You guys are great! Thanks for all of your help! Keep it coming if you think there is anything else...

 

If you decide to use the spring compressor, pop the nut loose a few turns on the strut top while it's still in the car. It's a PITA when it's out if you haven't broken it free yet. Don't remove it though because the spring will fly off if you don't have the spring compressor on there.

 

Glad I could be of assistance. Peloton25 showed me that writeup a few years ago that he saved off the old Focaljet forums and it helped me immensely when I installed my first Focus suspension, so I hosted the old writeup and post it whenever someone needs help.

It's for a coilover install, but its all the same for changing out a suspension on the Focus.

 

For the spring compressor... it's much easier and safer to use a 4-point jaws type compressor for the struts. For the rear, you will need the internal type and hook it up with the springs loaded and lots of spacers. That way you don't have to try to remove the "corroded on" swing arm bolt.

 

A follow up question...

Are there any bushings that I should replace in the process or are they not worth the effort. The car is 8 years old and the suspension is original.

I'm just trying to make sure I have everything i need/want.

By the way I ordered from Kevin at Tousley and He was GREAT! What an awesome resource they are. They will be receiving much future business from me!

 

^ If you do decide to replace bushings, simply replace entire control arms (bushings are in the arms from Ford; check with Steve again to be sure...). Though it may seem more costly in the beginning, the time saved alone may be more than worth the cost.

There are three control arms per side on the rear suspension of the Focus... and one lower control arm (incl the ball joint) per side at the front. Also add to the parts list strut bearings, front swaybar endlinks and perhaps the strut top mounts too for an entire refresh.

 

eat a few cheeseburgers before you start so that your blood sugar doesn't get low causing frustration and unnecessary cussing and hitting things with your BFH.

PS. replace the strut bearings.

 

Yeah Kevin suggested the strut bearings and I ordered those too. The bushings were just an after thought... thanks for the responses!

 

Update!

Install went better than i could have imagined. None of the bolts were seized and... well it was scary easy. Half of me is waiting for something to happen because I did not run into any problems.

Thanks to everyone who responded to this post for all of your help. I had this thread printed out referencing it every step of the way.

 

Don't worry about it you will be fine. It really isn't that hard if you just take your time and think things thru.

 

Umm......did you even read his update? He's already finished the install.

 

Man, I wish I had seen that excellent post before I replaced my struts. It took me hours to get one front side done because the knuckle wouldn't drop down far enough. I didn't know that I could trim a little bit and have it drop further. Next time...

 

good job, hopefully i am going to try and do mine after the winter. any before and after pics?

 

not yet. I'm still waiting on the suspension to completely settle. I couldn't really tell a difference right after I finished it. I will post some up soon though.

 

After you pull out of the driveway the suspension is pretty much settled. There isn't much.

 

Yeah I can tell a it's lower now. I will try and get some pics on Team Rigz soon.

 

I have replaced the lower arm on the right side and now my car is leaning over on the other side!!!! Is there something to do with the Suspension Design Height Setting? And if I do this setting and I will set the lower arm and crossmember 113mm apart ... how will I fit the spring back in if the gap will have only 113mm?

 

Oh, am I ever glad I found this! I'm going to be installing the SVT suspension soon on my car. And this is going to make things wayyyyy easier!