Just bought an LT 2008 Focus Sedan 5 speed

[Sleeperau]

As above, any tips etc would be appreciated my background is mainly playing with E series & AU falcons.

This one has only 45,000 Km and is a manual fully optioned, log book history one owner for my daughter & like new, I notice it handles poor so I have purchased some lowered king springs & about to get a Whiteline HD rear sway bar.

Any recommendations for rear shocks, any inherent issues?

Thanks in advance

[In Focus]

Just some thoughts that might be of use....

I'm surprised it handles poorly compared to old Falcons. All small Fords are generally good handlers, and that generation of Focus was no exception. It's not on original tyres, is it by any chance?

To be honest, I got a Whiteline sway bar in an LV (2010 model) and could barely notice a difference, which wasn't the case with a VW group car I had later. It also means sacrificing the IRS in the Focus.

What variant is it? CL or LX, perhaps? THe Zetec model was the sportier one in that generation, so if you could get the larger wheels and/or springs etc from one of those, it would be an improved handler and everything would fit. Maybe better tyre options as well.

[Sleeperau]

Originally Posted by In Focus

Just some thoughts that might be of use....

I'm surprised it handles poorly compared to old Falcons. All small Fords are generally good handlers, and that generation of Focus was no exception. It's not on original tyres, is it by any chance?

To be honest, I got a Whiteline sway bar in an LV (2010 model) and could barely notice a difference, which wasn't the case with a VW group car I had later. It also means sacrificing the IRS in the Focus.

What variant is it? CL or LX, perhaps? THe Zetec model was the sportier one in that generation, so if you could get the larger wheels and/or springs etc from one of those, it would be an improved handler and everything would fit. Maybe better tyre options as well.

It is an LX, brand new Goodyear tyres the owner replaced the originals to sell it, I will see how the springs go first thanks for the advice on the sway bar.

[Sleeperau]

Lowered spring put in on Friday, King springs, a little too low on the front for my liking but the handling has improved dramatically. I also had a whiteline bump steer kit put in. Does anyone know where I can get a strut brace from for this model?. I have not found one on the net? I have bought some 18 inch focus wheels which should seal the handling after the strut brace hopefully.

[In Focus]

In Europe this model was the "Mk2", and most items for the Mk2 European Focus should fit ours. I don't believe the Yanks got that generation, so be careful looking on US sites for Focus-related stuff for a 2008 model.