Softening the ride a bit

29426 Views 58 Replies 32 Participants Last post by ST Rally, Feb 22, 2022

RMS

Discussion Starter · Sep 14, 2012

I took a test drive. I loved it. It goes exactly where you aim it, as if it were on rails. It corners flat. And the acceleration is more than needed for most legal driving. BUT the wife found the ride to be way too harsh. And she is a keeper.

So what is the easiest - and cheapest - way to soften the ride a bit. Just 17s? Or will it mean new shocks/dampers? And what is a ballpark cost on those if they are needed?
Thanks

1 - 20 of 59 Posts

focusownerskid

· #2 · Sep 14, 2012

The spindles in front are different than a standard Focus. No swapping there.

So...nothing.

Air ride and delete trunk space and about 3 grand for OEM level quality kit...that doesn't exist yet.

Don't buy a performance hatch? It actually rides about the same as a standard focus, its unbelievable how this car handles so good and rides so smooth.

- Drew

Shomare

· #3 · Sep 14, 2012 (Edited)

You could probably find another Focus owner willing to swap out / trade springs and dampers. Titanium handeling package would probably be too stiff still as that set up is pretty firm.

I think it's a sin to do this to a ST but to each their own.

Reactions: 1

Rownan

· #4 · Sep 14, 2012

Is she gonna leave you because your ride is too stiff? Maybe not a keeper.

The fusion might be a better choice for you.

Reactions: 1

Ken Bury

· #5 · Sep 14, 2012

Maybe she used harsh to describe your enthusiastic driving.

Reactions: 1

DarkBuddha

· #6 · Sep 14, 2012

Since it's been indicated that some 16" and 17" wheels will fit, probably the first thing to do is consider a different wheel/tire package that has a significantly taller tire sidewall. Assuming typical +/- 1 type sizing, you should be able to run a 245/50/16 or a 225/55/16 and it should soften the ride quite a bit actually.

Reactions: 2

RMS

Discussion Starter · #7 · Sep 14, 2012

*Sigh* What can I say? I spoiled her with a Mercedes. Great handling and a comfy ride - even when I drove hard.

But, to the subject at hand: I was thinking of the 5-bolt, 17 inch rims off of a stock focus electric shod with P225/50R17s.

EcoBooST

· #8 · Sep 14, 2012

She has her car, you have yours. Simple as that.

If she doesn't like the ride of the ST, take the Benz when you will both be in the same car.

Reactions: 2

Rev.Hammer

· #9 · Sep 14, 2012

The only thing that I can think of is go with fatter ( taller sidewall ) tirees at slightly less than stock pressure.
the problem is that your handling is gonna go out the window.

Reactions: 1

Neverlift

· #10 · Sep 14, 2012

I doubt he will notice any ill effects.

RMS

Discussion Starter · #11 · Sep 14, 2012

Shomare said:
...
I think it's a sin to do this ...

That's never stopped me before.

krzyss

· #12 · Sep 14, 2012

Maybe try Titanium with 17" and see if she likes it better?
I think that going with 17" 225/50 or 225/45 or 215/50 may do the trick.

Krzys

Holden

· #13 · Sep 14, 2012

^^ That would be my plan, due to all the potholes and such around these parts.

Unreal

· #14 · Sep 14, 2012

I also wanted to smooth the ride a bit. I already have 17s on order and hoping they arrive before my ST does. More info here...

http://fordstnation.com/focus-st-suspension-wheels/223-what-rims-would-you-put-your-st-11.html#post27943

Unreal's Focus ST Build Project: ßεllε <== click for detailed build page

cp-e™ DP, CBE, FMIC, CAI, and RMM	Quaife limited-slip differential	Cobb Tuning stage3-91-v320	Ford Racing CAI
Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 wheels	Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires	CFM valve cover breather	FSWerks short shift kit
Boosted Designs dead pedal	Rostra LED projector fog lights	Street Scene front splitter	Breedt symposer delete

Unreal

· #15 · Sep 14, 2012

If you really want to soften the ride, you can go with 215/55R16. This has almost identical outside tire dimensions as stock, but will provide a much softer ride due to the taller sidewall.

Unreal's Focus ST Build Project: ßεllε <== click for detailed build page

cp-e™ DP, CBE, FMIC, CAI, and RMM	Quaife limited-slip differential	Cobb Tuning stage3-91-v320	Ford Racing CAI
Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 wheels	Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires	CFM valve cover breather	FSWerks short shift kit
Boosted Designs dead pedal	Rostra LED projector fog lights	Street Scene front splitter	Breedt symposer delete

sk8parker94

· #16 · Sep 17, 2012

Once manufacturers make some coilovers with good dampening that should be able to help control softness or stiffness of your ride, right?

Grabber523

· #17 · Sep 17, 2012

Unreal said:
If you really want to soften the ride, you can go with 215/55R16. This has almost identical outside tire dimensions as stock, but will provide a much softer ride due to the taller sidewall.

Will they fit over the brakes?

jakebrewer

· #18 · Sep 17, 2012

This thread is a perfect example of why it took 3 generations for Americans to get a turbo Focus and why American cars can't handle.

Reactions: 4

Holden

· #19 · Sep 17, 2012

^^ Ha!

But are you blaming our people, or our ROADS?

Reactions: 1

jakebrewer

· #20 · Sep 17, 2012

Roads have nothing to do with it, fat lazy Americans who want to drive around in a lazy boy and feel and hear nothing from the car, thats the problem.

Reactions: 1

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