Increasing the ground clearance of the Ford Focus 2 is possible with the help of spacers, replacing shock absorbers/springs, and installing wheels of larger diameter. All this will make it possible to raise the car by 20-50 mm and increase its maneuverability on bad roads.
But when performing work, it is important not to overdo it and give preference, for example, to spacers whose thickness does not exceed 20-30 mm. We will discuss why this is worth doing in the article.
If you want to save money, you can make spacers yourself, but in this case you need to know the technology and carefully approach the work.
Ground clearance parameters for Ford Focus 2, and how it can be increased
On the first generation Ford Focus, the ground clearance was 17 cm, which suits many car owners. On the second version of the Ford Focus, the ground clearance decreased to 15.5 cm, so car owners thought about increasing it.
Main methods:
- Installing larger diameter tires to raise the car by 1-1.2 cm. Alternatively, you can install 16-inch wheels instead of 15-inch ones. In this case, the speed and distance readings will be distorted, and the ABS will not always work correctly. When increasing the diameter, it is necessary to ensure that the tires do not rub against the arches when turning or loading the trunk/interior.
- Replacing springs/shock absorbers. The effectiveness of the method is undeniable, but to implement it you will have to fork out 1800-2200 rubles for just one spring. Changing a set on one axle will cost, accordingly, twice as much. In addition, along with the springs, the shock absorbers also need to be changed.
- Spacers. A popular method that allows you to raise your car by one to three centimeters without major expense. Spacers are made of metal, rubber or polyurethane. The last two options are more preferable, because the metal gradually breaks the parts at the installation site. Rubber products have a minimal price, but wear out quickly. Spacers made of polyurethane will cost more, but will also last longer. The thickness of such products is usually from two to four centimeters.
Technical characteristics of Ford Focus 2 Hatchback
| Number of doors | 3/5 |
| Number of seats | 5 |
| Length | 4342 mm |
| Width | 1840 mm |
| Height | 1497 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm |
| Front track | 1535 mm |
| Rear track | 1531 mm |
| Maximum trunk volume | 1144 l |
| Trunk volume is minimal | 282 l |
| Year of release | |
| Start of release of the modification | 2005 |
| Body | |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Number of doors | 4 |
| Passenger seats + driver | 5 |
| Body length | 4488mm |
| Body width | 1840mm |
| Body height | 1497mm |
| Vehicle wheelbase | 2640mm |
| Front track | 1535mm |
| Rear track | 1531mm |
| Maximum trunk volume | 931l |
| Minimum trunk volume | 467l |
| Engine | |
| Engine location | Front, transverse |
| Engine capacity | 1560cm 3 |
| Engine power | 109 hp/4000 rpm |
| Torque | 240/1750 n*m |
| Fuel supply system | Diesel N.V. |
| Turbocharging | Turbocharging |
| Number and arrangement of cylinders | 4 (Inline) |
| Cylinder diameter | 75mm |
| Piston stroke | 88mm |
| Compression ratio | 18.3 |
| Number of valves | 16V |
| Type of fuel | diesel fuel |
| Transmission | |
| Drive unit | Front |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Suspension | |
| Front suspension type | Shock absorber |
| Rear suspension type | Transverse stabilizer |
| Brake system | |
| Front brakes | Disk |
| Rear brakes | Disk |
| Steering | |
| Steering type | Gear |
| Power steering | + |
| Operating data | |
| Maximum speed | 190km/h |
| Acceleration time | 11 |
| Fuel consumption in the city | 6.2 |
| Fuel consumption on the highway | 4 |
| Fuel tank volume | 53 |
| Vehicle curb weight | 1310kg |
| Permissible gross weight | 1820kg |
| Tire size | 195/65 R15 |
Latest Ford Focus sales ads on RST
Price: 4'650, Year: 2005 Engine: 1.4 Gas/Petrol (Mechanics-5) Body: Hatchback 4/5 doors Region: Odessa
Price: 3, Year: 2008 Engine: 1.8 Diesel (Mechanics) Body: Sedan Region: Nikolaev
* Information is not an official source.
** Average market value is an approximate value.
- Car market at RST Auto Bazaar of Ukraine
- + Sell the car
- New cars
You can add several body types to the search at the same time.
Select your car body type
- Passenger cars:
- Sedan (4 doors)
- Hatchback 4/5 doors
- Hatchback 2/3 doors
- Coupe (2 doors)
- Convertible/Roadster
- Station wagon
- Minivan
- SUV/Crossover
- SUV-pickup Commercial vehicles:
- Van passenger
- Cargo-passenger van.
- Van/pickup truck
- Minibus passenger
- Cargo-passenger minibus.
- Cargo minibus
- Bus (more than 18 seats)
You can search for a car in several regions at the same time.
Pros of installing spacers
Many car owners, when choosing a method to increase the ground clearance of a Ford Focus 2, choose spacers.
This method has the following advantages:
- Simple passage of speed bumps (the rear end does not throw up).
- During maintenance, if there are no faults, no questions arise.
- Affordable price.
- Large selection of products on the market.
- Easy to install (you can even do the work yourself).
- Guaranteed result of increased clearance.
- Minimal risks for the car and chassis.
- No need to do a wheel alignment.
Ford Focus MK2 interior
The interior of the Ford Focus is practically no different from the type of body chosen. Overall, the first impression it creates is quite pleasant.
There are absolutely no corners to be found here. All parts of the interior seem to flow into each other. The finish is not bad, there are a variety of aluminum inserts available. The air ducts have an unusual oval shape, which, in general, harmonizes well with the other elements. The ergonomics of the car are thought out, everything is located in places accessible to the driver.
Photos of the Ford Focus MK2 interior
Photos of Ford Focus 2 interior
On the dashboard there are two dials of a fairly large size, which is very convenient. Between them, the manufacturer installed an on-board computer display with red backlight.
Depending on the type of equipment, Ford may have a display installed that displays information coming from the multimedia system. Just below it are located, based on the buyer’s choice, three knobs that allow you to adjust the temperature of the “stove”, or the air conditioner washers, or the climate control unit.
Driver's seat
Multimedia system
Rear row of seats Ford Focus 2nd generation
Convenience during movement is provided by wide seats with a lot of position adjustments. The rear sofa can easily accommodate up to three people. The luggage compartment has a volume of 467 liters. And if you lower the backs of the sofa, this figure increases to 931 liters.
What does the market offer?
Today you can find many options for spacers on sale, differing in manufacturer, thickness and material used. But on forums discussing Ford Focus 2, they praise RTI Polyhedron products, which have an affordable price and good characteristics.
Judging by the manufacturer's statement, the devices have passed the necessary tests and are designed specifically for the Ford Focus 2 suspension.
Officially, the kit is intended for a number of Ford models (Focus, S-Max, Kuga), Mazda (3 and 5), Volvo (S40 from 2004, C30 and C50).
The package includes spacers:
- front ones for installation under the strut supports - two;
- rear ones for springs and shock absorbers - two of each;
- extended washers - M8x1.25x50, 10 units;
- washers for extended bolts - 10 units;
- interturn buffers for the front and rear parts - 4 units.
- Set weight 3.5 kg.
Spacers are made of rubber taking into account GOST standards. After installation, the ground clearance increases by two to three centimeters, which is the optimal solution. Change the elevation angle upward, which allows you to easily drive through deep holes.
Another option is Novosibirsk spacers, which have shown good results according to reviews and are worthy of the attention of car owners.
Includes:
- rear spring spacers 30 mm (14-15-005/30) - 2 units;
- front shock absorber support 20 mm (14-15-001) - 2 units;
- M8x50 bolts with washers and groovers - 6 pcs.;
- part 14-15-009/20 - 2 pcs.;
- mounting bolts with washers - 4 pcs. (under 14-15-009/20).
If there is a problem in finding high-quality spacers for Ford Focus 2 and other models of this manufacturer, then a large assortment of them is presented on the website https://tema4x4.ru/catalog/prostavki/filter/mark_ts-is-ford/apply/. There you will find products from different manufacturers with a thickness of 20, 30, 40, 50 mm, steel, polyurethane, aluminum, in general, to suit your every whim and desire.
Dynamics
How much does a VAZ 2109 engine weigh
? Well, now let’s talk about the most delicious thing, about what the Ford Focus 2 is capable of in terms of dynamic performance.
The 1.4-liter hatch accelerates to hundreds in 14.1 seconds. The maximum speed is limited to 164 km/h.
A 100-horsepower engine with a manual transmission requires 11.9 seconds to reach a hundred on the speedometer. The maximum speed is 180 km/h. The automatic transmission, coupled with the same engine, accelerates to hundreds in 13.6 seconds. The maximum that can be squeezed out of this modification is 172 km/h.
1.6-liter engine with 115 hp. accelerates to hundreds in 10.8 seconds. Maximum speed – 190 km/h.
The diesel Ford Focus 2 accelerates to hundreds in about 10.8 seconds. At the same time, the maximum that can be squeezed out of it is 190 km/h.
It will take about 9.2 seconds to accelerate a 2-liter engine with manual transmission to hundreds. At the same time, it is capable of reaching a speed of 193 km/h. The version with automatic transmission will allow you to fix the speedometer needle at 100 km/h 10.7 seconds after the start. Maximum speed – 193 km/h.
Why you shouldn’t go overboard with the thickness of spacers
When using spacers to increase ground clearance on a Ford Focus 2, you must adhere to a number of restrictions. So, the lifting height of the rear part should not exceed 30 mm, and the front part - 20 mm. The advice applies to all methods of increasing ground clearance, not just spacers.
Deviation from these parameters can lead to the following consequences:
- The appearance of a hum ahead, the cause of which is difficult to diagnose, but a hint is below.
- Increasing the operating angle of CV joints.
- Destruction of the tripod separators of the internal CV joints due to increased load.
- Changing the characteristics of the suspension.
- Excessive rise in the center of gravity, which leads to rolliness during maneuvers.
- Changes in suspension geometry, causing it to operate in an unusual mode.
When installing spacers, the shock absorber suspension strut is lowered down by the thickness of the product. If the shock absorber rebounds, problems with the CV joint may occur, which were mentioned above. It is not surprising that manufacturers of front spacers for Ford Focus 2 make them up to two centimeters in size.
How to make spacers for a Ford Focus 2 with your own hands, drawings
Some car owners create spacers with their own hands. To do this, you need to have a drawing and a sheet of polyurethane 20 mm thick on hand.
An additional advantage of the material is that it plays the role of vibration insulation.
Instead of standard bolts, you must use M8x55. The installation process is standard (described above).
Ford Focus II engines
In Russia it is almost impossible to find a variant with a 1.4 liter engine. Such cars, as a rule, were purchased by corporate clients. However, according to mechanics, this engine is very good and has almost no inherent flaws. But do not forget that due to its low power and the same volume, it is used one hundred percent and because of this, it already falls into second hands in a dying state. This outstanding 100 hp. the unit was produced in South Africa and is designed mainly for third world countries.
A reliable and simple design results in very high performance and efficiency. But for a modern car this engine is frankly weak. This is especially noticeable if it is paired with an automatic transmission. The 115 hp version, which has a variable valve timing system, looks completely different. This engine is enough to operate in any mode. Unfortunately, this engine has one drawback - the phase reversal clutch, which often fails and is expensive to replace.
The reason is that according to Ford principles, replacement or repair of the crankshaft, liners, pistons and piston rings is not provided. In most cases, the cylinder block (or short block, as it is called) is replaced with everything that goes into it. True, this will happen no earlier than after 350 thousand km. It is worth noting the durable timing chain.
The remaining engines have a timing belt that can last 150,000 km. But, according to mechanics, it is better to replace it after 100-120 thousand km, at the same time as the water pump. Unfortunately, all engines have rather unreliable camshaft seals. Of course, this part is inexpensive, but the cost of the work will be about 12.5 thousand rubles.
Is it worth buying a Ford Focus II?
Of course, if such a question arises, it means that you are interested in the car and even like it
Now all that remains is to choose a good package, a body, and, most importantly, make sure that the vehicle is well-groomed and in good working order. Do not forget that all expenses for eliminating defects overlooked during the purchase fall entirely on the shoulders of the buyer
Therefore, do not be lazy to diagnose the main systems and components. Fortunately, the Ford Focus II does not have many vulnerabilities, and its repair will not be a “regularly recurring event” for the owner. And to reduce the likelihood of further problems, it is advisable to choose an option with a 2-liter engine and a manual transmission.
Additional Tips
On the Ford Focus 2 discussion forums you can find many proposals for increasing the ground clearance.
Let's highlight a few recommendations:
- To get a greater effect, you can install 205/60 wheels on R. In this case, you can raise the car by almost 9 mm. When choosing this option, fuel consumption is reduced and the maximum speed is increased, but the dynamics when starting to move are reduced. Michelin X-Ice North 205/65 tires on the R16 show good results.
- If you have the available money, you can install shock absorbers with B14 PSS clearance control.
- Installing spacers to increase ground clearance reduces the life of the shock absorber due to frequent breakdown.
Specifications
Of the variety of various modifications of engines that equip cars of this brand, we will focus on the most popular among domestic drivers. By studying in more detail the operational features that distinguish Ford engines, you can significantly simplify the process of selecting spare parts for their repair.
The gasoline power unit with a capacity of 1.6 liters is equipped with four working cylinders. For them, the manufacturer provides a row arrangement. Each cylinder has four valves.
Fuel enters the system thanks to the injector. Manufacturers designated the recommended fuel grade as AI-95. Despite the high cost of petroleum products, Ford engines are considered very economical in this regard. This is explained by the negligible fuel consumption, which for the combined cycle is determined by 6.7 liters of gasoline required to cover 100 km.
The working space capacity of 1.6 liters is quite enough to develop power comparable to the energy of 100 (115) horses. In this case, the crankshaft performs 6000 revolutions.
Torque is characterized by a maximum value of 155 Nm. When rotating, engine oil protects the rubbing parts from premature wear. The manufacturer recommends 5W-20 and 5W-30 motor oils.
Proper care and timely maintenance can increase the resource of the power unit declared by the manufacturer of 250 thousand km to 350 thousand km.
