What is the real ground clearance of a Ford Focus 2/3, installation of spacers

Focus II looks a little boring compared to its predecessor. For this reason, it will appeal to conservative buyers, and there are quite a lot of them. However, at the same time, this is a flaw, because if anyone thought that the successor to the first Focus would be just as crazy, they were sorely disappointed. However, the design has become a little fresher and more dynamic.

There are plenty of body options. Trunk volume is 503 liters. If this is not enough, you can fold the seats and get 1525 liters. The VAN Focus C-MAX is available on the market, which later became a separate model. The hatchback is available in two versions - 5-door and 3-door. Its trunk is quite large - 396 liters. For conservatives, there is a sedan, which next to the station wagon looks the most normal of the entire “crew”. There's also a hardtop convertible with a fully electrically adjustable top. At the touch of a button, it can be transformed into a coupe. Few people know about the existence of this version, so its sales were not particularly impressive.

Before choosing an engine, one issue worth considering is efficiency. Ford diesels are quite good and economical. They are also technically advanced, so their maintenance will be much more expensive than the petrol versions. In diesel engines, it is worth considering the injection system, turbine and dual-mass flywheel. Some versions also have a particulate filter - every 60 thousand. km you need to add fluid, every 120 thousand. km - completely replace. The choice of units is quite large - a 1.6 liter diesel engine has a power of 90 or 109 hp. and together with 1.8 l 115 hp. it can be safely recommended to calmer drivers. 2.0 TDCi has 110 or 136KM - in the first version, the timing chain sometimes stretches, rubs against the head and contaminates the oil with sawdust.

As for gasoline units, the 1.4L 80KM is dynamic only when stopped. 1.6L 100 or 115 km would be a better choice. The latter, in particular, is quite active at high speeds, but has problems with the synchronizing pulleys. Of course, there is something stronger in the offer - 1.8 l 125 km and 2.0 l 145 km.

Is it worth filling up the Focus with gas? In the case of this car, this is a rather sensitive issue. A CAN digital communication and electrical device control system is installed on board, which controls almost the entire vehicle and works with the engine computer. Gas installation creates software errors that can affect other systems

How to bet

To carry out the work, you will need a key for 10, 13, 15.
After purchasing the spacers, you can proceed to their installation, the algorithm of actions is as follows (see photo below):

1. Raise the left front side of the car with a jack.
2. Place a stump or other object of the required height to secure the car.
3. Using a 15 key, unscrew the wipers.
4. Remove the frill (the plastic part in front of the car windshield).
5. Unscrew the wide spacer with a TORX wrench (both sides).
6. Unscrew another reinforcement strut on the driver's side.
7. Unscrew the top fastening of the rack with a wrench from the desired side.
8. Lift the rack from below using a crowbar or piece of reinforcement.
9. Insert the gasket and align it.
10. Put everything back in place (except the frill). When tightening the screws, try to ensure that the fastening is done evenly.
11. Lower the car and measure the ground clearance after making changes.
12. Do the same work with the second rack.
13. Install the frill.
14. Take measurements. When installing spacers by three centimeters, the ground clearance increased by almost seven. After the first ride, re-testing may show slightly less gain.

To view the video, scroll to the end of the article.

When working with a partner, it takes no more than 30-40 minutes to complete the work on one side, if you act without haste.

To install rear spacers, read the article https://autotopik.ru/ford/1321-focus-klirens.html, or go to a service station, where using a lift you can install products above the spring in 30 minutes on both sides.

It is also important to understand that, unlike a sedan and a hatchback, the rear suspension design of a station wagon is slightly different

About the car

What ground clearance is really needed in the city
? The new, second generation of the American Ford car, or rather the Focus model, has become a bestseller. It is worth noting that this happened long before the car was even born and went on sale. The reason for this is the promotion that marketers did. And, of course, the intrigue and anticipation of a new model from an American brand is also a big plus for initial sales.

It is worth noting that the old generation was a real bestseller in the Russian Federation. It was here that citizens truly loved this car, and almost every second car enthusiast bought it. And now, a new generation has appeared on free sale.

Restyling of the Ford Focus 2 included the use of the highest quality finishing materials. The car received a good reputation from the very beginning of its launch on the market. The ride quality was good and the price was what people expected. In general, the Americans did everything the same way as potential consumers wanted.

It is worth noting that some Ford Focus models were produced in our homeland - the Russian Federation. Some modifications were made in the cultural capital, in the city on the Neva - St. Petersburg. It was there that sedan and hatchback cars were produced.

Station wagons, coupes and convertibles were supplied directly from Europe. In general, production, assembly and sales were in full swing. No one could even think for a minute about buying a car and starting to hate it. Everything was done very high quality.

Let's study the reviews about Ford Focus 2. It is in them that the owners write how good the car is in its class. Considering its price and technical characteristics, it would be hard to say that the car is bad.

Reviews about the Ford Focus 2 station wagon are also positive. They say that the car is roomy and very practical. Suitable for family trips. There is enough space in the cabin for five. You can even fit a refrigerator in the trunk. And if you add roof rails, it won’t be a civilian station wagon, but a whole tractor-trailer. In general, reviews of the Ford Focus 2 are impressive.

It is also worth emphasizing that they constantly write about ground clearance. After all, drivers like the fact that the car has high cross-country ability

Whether to the dacha, or to the garden - it doesn’t matter! You can drive everywhere. And for those who do not have enough ground clearance, the clearance of the Ford Focus 2 can be increased at the nearest service station. Mechanics will help you raise your car's suspension

Mechanics will help you raise your car's suspension.

Legendary compact car

Ford Focus is a compact car from the legendary American manufacturer. The car has been produced in Russia since 1999 and during this time more than half a million copies have been manufactured and sold.

In 2010, Ford Focus was recognized as the best-selling foreign-made car in the Russian Federation. Two years later, the car won the Car of the Year Award, taking one of the nominations.

Ford Focus is a universal car that is ideal for a family with an average income.

The advantages of the car include practicality, affordable price and low maintenance.

In addition, there is a complete safety package that makes the car stand out from its competitors.

Ford Focus is supplied to the territory of the Russian Federation in 3 bodies - station wagon, hatchback and sedan.

For some time, a coupe version was available to domestic car owners, but it is a thing of the past.

Cars that are produced in Russia are adapted for domestic roads and are distinguished primarily by higher ground clearance.

Below we will consider the following points:

• What ground clearance is provided in Ford Focus 2 and 3 cars (for sedan, hatchback and station wagon)?
• What do real users say about the height of the car?
• Is it possible to increase ground clearance?

Some malfunctions

What is the real ground clearance of the Lada Granta liftback and sedan

The problem with the 115-horsepower 1.6-liter engine is the phase shifter clutch. There are two of them, and each costs more than 15 thousand rubles.

For 1800 cc and two-liter engines, after one hundred thousand, the valve cover gasket should be replaced at a cost of a thousand rubles - oil may leak through it. The upper engine mount for 3.5 thousand rubles also rarely lasts longer.

Turbodiesel is very sensitive to fuel quality - then the fuel pump and injectors travel 200 thousand kilometers. The oil needs to be changed every 5-10 thousand, at least.

On a manual IB5 gearbox the fifth gear may slip out (this is due to weak synchronizers). High loads threaten to burst the pinion axle in the differential of the second Ford Focus. This, in turn, results in a broken crankcase and repairs costing a hundred thousand rubles and sometimes even more. Another “mechanics” - MTX75 - is much more reliable. Unless the release bearing needs to be changed after 50 thousand kilometers.

In the front suspension, already at 40-70 thousand, the support and wheel bearings “fit”, as well as the stabilizer struts. The service life of ball joints and shock absorbers is only 40 thousand. At the rear, the stabilizer struts are the least reliable (40,000 kilometers). The lower arms are enough for a hundred thousand.

The electro-hydraulic power steering on versions with 1.8 and 2.0 liter engines can “delight” with a burnt-out control board. The part costs 30 thousand rubles. And the rack on cars before 2008 was often replaced under warranty.

Replacing wheels to increase ground clearance

Which fuse is responsible for the cigarette lighter on Ford Focus 2

The most common and safest way to increase ground clearance is to change the size of wheels and rims. It should be taken into account that the tires should not touch either body elements or plastic protective mudguards. So, before you start, it is worth reading the technical data and advice from the manufacturer on this issue. Incorrect selection of even one element can reduce traffic safety by 50% and increase wear of parts by 30% or more.

Discs are selected according to the maximum permissible size and inter-bolt space. If you buy the wrong wheels, there will be two options: return them to the seller, which is not always possible, or replace the hubs, which will cost much more than just buying new wheels. The selection of tires is made according to the purchased wheels, their size and the ground clearance that you want to achieve.

The radius of the tires must match the size of the wheels, while on the 3rd generation Ford Focus you can install 14, 15, 16 wheels according to standard standards. To mount large tires, you will have to buy low-profile ones and replace the springs and shock absorbers.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that to select wheels and tires that will help increase ground clearance, you will have to consult with specialists. The most practical advice and recommendations can be obtained from specialists at a tuning studio, who can not only ideally talk about this issue, but also make a selection without reducing the characteristics of the car, namely, without compromising safety.

Exact size

Let's start with the very first fact. Ground clearance is exactly 167 millimeters. This is a very good indicator. In this parameter, the new Ford Focus 2 (restyling) is completely uncompetitive. After all, she is the best. No other car in this class has such ground clearance. It is worth noting that the clearance of the Ford Focus 2 in older generations is much less. Approximately 150 millimeters.

Therefore, after several years of development and developments from older models, manufacturers and engineers decided to increase ground clearance. In general, the figure is quite high. The Ford Focus 2's ground clearance of 167 millimeters allows the owner to drive not only off-road and overcome obstacles, but also in winter not to be particularly afraid that you will accidentally tear off the bumper if you drive into a small hole from which it is difficult to get out. In general, there are many advantages to high ground clearance.

Ground clearance Ford Focus 2 in sedan, hatchback, station wagon

It is very difficult to implement this option in practice. Replace the bolts on the struts they will be longer

Please note that on the top of the bolt there is a number of 10.9 - this is a sufficient indicator of hardness

Install the wheels and tighten the bolts to the required torque. When installing spacers on the rear axle, you can lift one wheel at a time, and the remaining actions are performed according to the same algorithm.

They are installed between the body and the spring

It is worth noting that before installation you need to pay attention to the condition of the body cavity where this element becomes. It is worth checking for cracks and corrosion damage that could lead to a break that will serve as a repair for the body.

Let's list the material from which stands for Ford Focus are made: The most common among rally drivers and athletes are the latter, since they have good elasticity and minimize the pressure on the body.

The downside of plastic and rubber is that they have the ability to sag and the vehicle's ground clearance decreases over time. This drawback was avoided by aluminum, but with a strong impact this metal crumbles, which will not happen if the first two materials are used.

Of course, each type of manufacturing has its own advantages and disadvantages, but it is believed that they are all good in their own way, the difference being the price.

Let's look at the process of installing stands on a Ford Focus: First, the car should be raised. A lift or jack is ideal for this. Just keep in mind that this is done on both sides.

However, it is necessary to do this for both sides at once, otherwise the suspension will be clamped by the torsion bar, and it will be impossible to insert the spacer.

Replacing wheels to increase ground clearance

We unscrew the disc and hub bolts, and then remove the wheels. Unscrew the bolts that secure the racks. After that we remove them.

Installing spacers for Ford Focus 3 station wagon

We fix the spacers using special ties or plastic clamps. We tighten the racks with new bolts, which should be longer, usually sold together with spacers. If these bolts have a steel hardness of 5. Install the wheels and tighten all the bolts back. For the rear wheels the procedure will be exactly the same as for the front wheels.

What spacers are there and their types

After that we remove them. We fix the spacers using special ties or plastic clamps. We tighten the racks with new bolts, which should be longer, usually sold together with spacers.

If these bolts have a steel hardness of 5. Install the wheels and tighten all the bolts back. For the rear wheels the procedure will be exactly the same as for the front wheels. As for choosing a specific option, you need to know what types of spacers there are. Each of these types has its pros and cons, however, the experience of many Ford Focus 2 owners and the recommendations of experts suggest that it is best to choose rubber or plastic options.

Rubber spacers are inexpensive, highly resistant to aggressive environments, do not corrode, and have virtually no effect on the level of comfort and controllability. However, they are not without their drawbacks, including wearing out quickly and being easily destroyed and deformed. As for plastic inserts, they have practically no disadvantages, because they do not affect the behavior of the car on the road, and at the same time they have a long service life and are not negatively affected.

It should be noted that if the springs sag, this method of increasing ground clearance will not work for the Ford Focus 2.

The problem in this case is the small distance between the spring coils. Spacers will be justified only in combination with good springs. Other methods Spacers are the most common method of increasing ground clearance, but for a Ford Focus 2 car you can solve the problem in another way - by replacing standard wheels.

Ways to increase ground clearance on a Ford Focus 2

The second generation Ford Focus is an excellent budget car that is capable of reliably and flawlessly performing all the necessary functions, that is, taking you comfortably from point A to point B. It was first introduced in 2004 and immediately won the appreciation of consumers from many countries. Compared to the previous generation, the new Ford Focus has been significantly improved and is devoid of many of the disadvantages that owners encountered.

Despite the fact that the car is quite popular in our country, there are several features that cause inconvenience and which can be eliminated. We are talking about ground clearance - the distance from the extreme point of the car to the beginning of the road surface. If we are talking about driving in the city on good roads, then no problems arise. When it comes to trips out of town, to the country or to a picnic, the ground clearance is clearly not enough, since it is initially small. Moreover, as the service life increases, it will only decrease, and this leads to difficulty overcoming obstacles (potholes, bumps, speed bumps, etc.). For this reason, many owners of the second generation Ford Focus are thinking about increasing the ground clearance. How to do this and what is needed for this will be discussed in our article.

1. Installation of spacers and their features
2. other methods
3. Threats and rules of use

What is the ground clearance of the Ford Focus from the factory and does it need to be increased?

On the first generation Focus, the ground clearance was 170 mm, and according to the plant, the clearance of the Ford Focus 2 is 155 mm.

On the threshold in front.

These are very approximate figures because ground clearance depends on too many factors to give a specific value. But when asked what the ground clearance is on your Focus, most owners answer: “too low.”

For our roads and the dominance of speed bumps, I would really like to increase the ground clearance. However, you need to understand that the Focus is not an SUV or even a crossover , but a car intended for use on public roads, for asphalt.

Consequences of increased clearance

Focus 2 pre-styling with increased ground clearance.

Therefore, you shouldn’t want too much from him in this regard. In addition, a strong increase in clearance can lead to undesirable consequences:

increased load on constant velocity joints, since the angle of the axle shaft relative to the hub changes and will differ from the nominal one;

Restyling

Already in 2008, American manufacturers presented the world with a new car: restyling of the second generation Ford Focus 2. People called him the third generation. All because his appearance was mesmerizing. It was like a concept car, like a car from the future. After all, the designers of the American brand really tried and made a sports car out of a civilian car.

In general, the fenders, hood, bumpers, headlights, and side mirrors have changed. In a word, everything! There are no more chrome moldings on the doors. And the best change is the radiator grille, which has become completely different. In general, everything became completely different, beautiful, presentable.

It is worth noting that for all body modifications, except the station wagon, LED taillights were offered for an additional fee. However, it is worth noting that not everyone ordered them. A new trim level has also appeared in the restyling - Titanium. It was offered for a large surcharge, since it was the most prestigious, respectable modification. American manufacturers have also created a new climate control system. The dashboard has changed for the better - it has become more beautiful.

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:

1. The appearance of a hum ahead, the cause of which is difficult to diagnose, but a hint is below.
2. Increasing the operating angle of CV joints.
3. Destruction of the tripod separators of the internal CV joints due to increased load.
4. Changing the characteristics of the suspension.
5. Excessive rise in the center of gravity, which leads to rolliness during maneuvers.
6. 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.

Flaw

The lower the clearance of the Ford Focus 2, the better the car looks. After all, a low car attracts attention and looks unique. However, not everyone needs beauty. Moreover, such a machine will not pass everywhere. Speed ​​bumps - don't drive over them at all.

Many can sacrifice their uniqueness for the sake of a comfortable ride in the Ford Focus 2 (restyling), that is, drive with good ground clearance. However, there are those who want a more beautiful car. And such people can easily underestimate it. However, in this case, the ground clearance will become less and the vehicle's cross-country ability will become worse.

What does increasing clearance lead to?

Regardless of the purpose for which you plan to install spacers, you need to be aware of the consequences that you will have to face.

1. Buying new shock absorbers. The fact is that the standard length of these elements is designed for the strict length of standard springs, which means that when the height of the car increases, the length of a conventional shock absorber will not be enough and it will simply “break”.
2. After making such changes to the suspension, it is necessary to do a wheel alignment. An experienced driver knows that after any intervention in the suspension, for further operation of the car it will be necessary to re-adjust it.
3. The last reason why you may not want to increase the ground clearance is a deterioration in handling. A shift in the center of gravity causes the car to behave poorly when turning the steering wheel at high speed. This is especially true for trucks, which are most prone to rollovers.

other methods

Spacers are the most common method of increasing ground clearance, but for a Ford Focus 2 car you can solve the problem in another way - by replacing standard wheels. If you set the size larger, this will automatically raise the car and increase the ground clearance. However, there is one important point here: if the Ford Focus is already equipped with the largest possible wheels in size, then this method will not work. The fact is that by enlarging the disc, the rubber profile decreases.

The most preferable option is to increase the wheel size while maintaining the same tire size. This will have minimal impact on comfort, but will also increase ground clearance. If done incorrectly, it can negatively affect traffic safety. Moreover, the speedometer, ABS, ESP and other systems may not work correctly.

Another way is to install new shock absorbers and springs, which will also slightly increase the ground clearance. There are many options here, and regardless of your budget, you will find the parts that suit you. However, the disadvantage of such actions is the deterioration of controllability, especially when performing sharp maneuvers and driving at speed. In general, this will negatively affect the Focus's behavior on the road.

Appearance of Ford Focus 2

Regardless of which body type was chosen, the front end of the Ford Focus MK 2 remained the same. This car model has been restyled in the so-called “kinetic design”. What did these changes bring with them?

• Firstly, the Ford Focus MK2 began to look more sporty compared to the previous version.
• The hood acquired relief contours.
• The head optics have now become more elongated towards the side of the body.
• The air intake is shaped like an inverted trapezoid, reminiscent of the mouth of a cave. Only the radiator grille remained virtually unchanged: a small rectangle, divided in the middle part by the inscription “Ford”.
• At the bottom of the fairly powerful bumper, the manufacturer installed a pair of fog lights.

Photos of Ford Focus 2nd generation

Photo Ford Focus sedan MK2

The side edges of the car are smoothed. The wheel arches are clearly visible. Touching upon the rear of the body, each of them is worth considering separately.

1. The sedan looked as if it had been designed by prim engineers. Everything here is simple, as if this part of the body belongs to a cheaper car. Large headlights are located on the sides of the trunk lid. Only the bumper, which received a plastic attachment in expensive trim levels, slightly improves the impression.
2. What can we say about the hatchback: its pillars are heavily leaned forward. The lights are located vertically along the viewing glass. A spoiler is located above the trunk lid. In general, the manufacturer, unlike the sedan, has done a great job on the appearance of the rear of the hatchback, leaving the feeling of sportiness that the “front” brings with it.
3. A station wagon in this vein is a cross between a sedan and a hatchback. Here, like the second one, the headlights also run along the viewing window, and the pillars are slightly tilted forward. But otherwise it’s as simple as the sedan.

Ford Focus 2 headlights

The ground clearance for all versions of the Ford Focus 2 is the same and is 155 mm. Technical characteristics of Ford Focus 2 sedan

Options

For the best-selling body type (sedan, of course), the developers provided only 4 trim levels: Trend, Special Edition, White and Black and Titanium, while the station wagon did without the White and Black version, and the hatchback, in addition to the four listed, also got the Ambiente trim level .

But this is not all. The fact is that on the domestic market until 2010 you could find the Ghia package, which was later replaced by the “top-end” Titanium. In the same year, 2010, the manufacturer stopped producing the Trend version. Let's look at the most noteworthy versions of the car individually.

Ambiente

This configuration for the Ford Focus II is considered basic and it is not surprising that it received a minimum number of technical features. However, Ambiente boasts the presence of:

• central lock;
• driver airbags;
• immobilizer;
• steering column, adjustable in height and angle;
• electric drive for power windows (only in the front part of the cabin).

In addition, the car received a high-quality and properly functioning power steering and soft plastic interior, characterized by high performance properties. True, the steering wheel in the “basic” version looks too laconic: no finishing, minimal ergonomics, bare polyurethane.

Ghia

As soon as the name of this modification was not distorted by Russian-speaking speakers, it actually carried with it a good set of options for the “Focus”. These could include:

• 4 airbags;
• the presence of four electric windows with Auto mode;
• more solid upholstery materials;
• light and rain sensors;
• new finishing materials.

Titanium

This configuration has absorbed all the best from the previous ones and has acquired its own options. These include a much more modern interior trim, the appearance of which did not cause any complaints even among fastidious motorists, new headlights for the front optics and new sports seats with improved lateral support.

Ford Focus II Magnum

Despite the fact that “Titanium” is presented by specialists as a complete set, it actually is not one. The fact is that around 2015, Ford management decided to release a restyled version of the second generation Focus model in a new configuration called Magnum.

In comparison with the “top” version, “Magnum” can bring the following arguments in its favor:

• 75 A battery;
• the presence of two exhaust pipes;
• four types of available optics (diode, xenon, lensed xenon and lensed diode);
• leather interior trim;
• electric seat adjustment;
• electric drive for opening/closing the trunk.

But perhaps the greatest interest among car enthusiasts will be the line of engines available for the Magnum. It includes only three engines: a 2-liter and 2.5-liter “turbo” and a 2.5-liter biturbo power unit.

In comparison, the Titanium, which had two powertrain options, seemed underpowered. The volume of engines available to it is 1.5 and 1.6 liters, with a power of 105 and 150 hp. With. The fastest acceleration to hundreds on such an engine is possible in 9.3 seconds. However, the not very high dynamic characteristics were well compensated by the “appetites” of the engine: the average fuel consumption per hundred kilometers of the car did not exceed 4.7–4.9 liters per 100 kilometers.

By the way, the model’s power units could work with different types of transmissions: automatic transmission, manual transmission and CVT. As for the car's suspension, it remains classic: MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link beam at the rear. Most users spoke positively about the quality of the suspension and chassis in general, noting that it absorbed minor road surface defects as easily as possible and brought a minimum of problems both in maintenance and in finding the necessary spare parts.

Threats and rules of use

It should be noted that lifting your vehicle excessively has certain dangers and dangers. Firstly, a shift in the center of gravity will lead to a slight deterioration in the car’s behavior on the road.

Secondly, the steering will lose its sharpness because it will not be in perfect balance with the chassis. This, in turn, leads to increased wear of the mechanism. Thirdly, the operation of a Ford Focus cannot be 100% safe. The fact is that the parameters of the angles of inclination and advance, camber/toe, etc. change. And lastly, since the shock absorber changes its position, this increases the chance of its premature failure. In this case, you can use special inserts for shock absorbers.

In order to minimize the harm from increasing clearance, the following recommendations must be followed:

1. Raise the front of the car no more than 2 cm.
2. Raise the rear of the car no more than 3 cm.
3. Do not install spacers unless they are treated with an anti-corrosion agent.
4. Monitor the vehicle parameters and their acceptable levels.

From the article you will learn in which bodies the Ford Focus is delivered to Russia, what the car's ground clearance is in different modifications, what owners say about the 2nd and 3rd generation Ford Focus, and how to increase the ground clearance using spacers.

Ford Focus II engines and gearboxes

More details

Engines

• At the bottom step in the hierarchy is a 1.4-liter gasoline unit with a power of 80 hp. He is reliable, but rather weak. Therefore, many drivers often “turn” it “to the fullest”, which is why the resource is reduced;
• The 1600 cc engine (100 hp) produced in South Africa is the most popular. Inexpensive, good with low-quality fuel. The dynamics are also modest, especially with the automatic transmission. It has a 115-horsepower version, which is equipped with variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust - it is noticeably more powerful and works better with an automatic transmission;
• The 1.8-liter engine has a power of 125 hp;
• “senior” in the Ford Focus 2 range (except for the “charged versions ST and RS”) – a two-liter engine with 145 horsepower;
• the only turbodiesel (1.8 liters, 115 hp) was available in our country, and not only in Western European markets. But dealers did not keep such cars in warehouses, but brought them only to order.

In general, engines (both gasoline and diesel) are very durable. Their service life (with proper repair and maintenance) is 300-350 thousand kilometers.

Transmission

The base for all modifications is a five-speed manual transmission. As an alternative, a middle-aged (but well-deserved) 4-band “automatic” of a classical design (with a torque converter) was offered.

Replacing wheels to increase ground clearance

The most common and safest way to increase ground clearance is to change the size of wheels and rims. It should be taken into account that the tires should not touch either body elements or plastic protective mudguards.

So, before you start, it is worth reading the technical data and advice from the manufacturer on this issue. Incorrect selection of even one element can reduce traffic safety by 50% and increase wear of parts by 30% or more.

Discs are selected according to the maximum permissible size and inter-bolt space. If you buy the wrong wheels, there will be two options: return them to the seller, which is not always possible, or replace the hubs, which will cost much more than just buying new wheels. The selection of tires is made according to the purchased wheels, their size and the ground clearance that you want to achieve.

The radius of the tires must match the size of the wheels, while on the 3rd generation Ford Focus you can install 14, 15, 16 wheels according to standard standards. To mount large tires, you will have to buy low-profile ones and replace the springs and shock absorbers.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that to select wheels and tires that will help increase ground clearance, you will have to consult with specialists. The most practical advice and recommendations can be obtained from specialists at a tuning studio, who can not only ideally talk about this issue, but also make a selection without reducing the characteristics of the car, namely, without compromising safety.

How much can you increase the clearance and how to do it

If you really want to, it is still possible to increase the clearance, but within certain limits. Mechanics and users have come to a consensus and do not recommend raising the car more than 20 mm at the front and more than 30 mm at the rear. This does not apply to all methods, but only to those that involve intervention in the suspension design. In fact, there are several ways to increase the ground clearance on a Ford Focus 2.

Replacing wheels

One of the options for high wheels.

If you install wheels of larger diameter, you can achieve an increase in ground clearance by 10–12 mm. For example, by replacing 15-inch wheels with 16-inch ones with 205/65 tires, we will increase the overall diameter of the wheel, but the odometer and speedometer readings will be distorted, and ABS may not work correctly. At the same time, you cannot increase the diameter of the wheels indefinitely - the rubber can touch the wheel arches when turning and when the car is heavily loaded.

Installing another set of springs and shock absorbers

It will cost much more. For example, one Kilen 53241 spring will cost 1,800 rubles, and Kayaba RA 6655 will cost 2,200 rubles.

And this is without replacing shock absorbers, which must also operate in the same range as the springs. If you do not change the shock absorbers and springs as a set, then the first one will not work in the operating range, which can cause destruction of the shock absorber or breakage of the rod.

Special springs can be used!

Spacers

They are installed between the body support cups and the springs, and it is possible to almost painlessly increase the ground clearance by 10–30 mm. Spacers are available in metal, rubber or polyurethane. The metal will wear out and deform the seats, so such spacers are not in demand. It is better to install rubber or polyurethane. Here is her drawing.

It turns out like this.

At the same time, rubber is inexpensive, but wears out quickly. Polyurethane spacers cost between 1000–1300 rubles for a set of front ones and 1300–1600 rubles for a set of rear ones. The kit includes six M8x50 mm bolts and two spacers (for the front struts). The spacer size can be selected from 20 to 40 mm.

Car trunk and its dimensions

The luggage compartment volume of the sedan is 372 liters. This is not very much, but it is quite enough to transport various things in everyday life. The station wagon boasts 472 liters. And if we fold down a row of seats, we can get 1502 liters of usable volume. This is already quite an impressive figure. The hatchback has the least space - 277 liters. If you remove a row of seats, you can get a total of about 1060 liters.

From all of the above, we can conclude that a station wagon is best suited for transporting goods, and a hatchback and sedan least of all. The car cannot work as a tractor, but there is more than enough space for small things.

Increase ground clearance ford focus 2

Product code: 14-15-002/30

Product code: 14-15-002/40

Product code: 14-15-003/30

Product code: 14-15-003/20

Product code: 14-15-004/20

Product code: 14-15-003/40

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Do you want to protect your Ford from our roads? Or give the car more originality by increasing ground clearance? For all this, spacers are used to increase Ford ground clearance.

Before increasing the ground clearance on your car, you should purchase high-quality inserts for the shock absorber strut supports (or in other words, spacers). You should not increase the clearance by more than 5 cm, because an excessive increase in ground clearance can lead to problems with car handling and cornering.

Buy spacers to increase ground clearance Ford/Ford inexpensively

You can order good spacers to increase Ford ground clearance on our store website. AutoUpgrade carries a wide selection of polyurethane and aluminum spacers.

When purchasing spacers to increase ground clearance from us, you are guaranteed to receive a quality product at an excellent price. Installing spacers does not take much time and ensures reliable safety of the car from uneven and broken roads. AutoUpgrade is the territory of the best car parts and components for all car brands!

Call us, we will help you quickly select the necessary spacers. The site catalog is not complete, it is better to check the availability and installation features of spacers by calling 066-066-66-17

What do Ford Focus 3 owners say?

It’s interesting to hear the opinions of third-generation Ford Focus owners:

• “I know from experience that the clearance of the Ford Focus 3 is only suitable for the city. The car’s registration certificate says 142 mm, so I knew very well the car’s capabilities and the risks of off-road driving. But I like the low stance and sportier look of the car. Moreover, I plan to make the car even lower, because during operation I do not leave the countryside. Once there was a case when the muffler got caught on a rise, but it was entirely my fault. If you drive around the potholes carefully, there won’t be any problems.” Yaroslav, Taganrog, 37 years old.
• “If we consider the Ford Focus 3 from the perspective of a city car, it largely outperforms its competitors in terms of fuel consumption, maneuverability and road stability. Due to the low ground clearance, I purchased larger tires for the winter - R16205/60. This was enough to increase the ground clearance by 1-2 cm. After installing the new tires, the car became softer, and the problems of driving on a snowy road were almost completely eliminated. Several times I found myself on a snowy road, and there my sedan still caught snow with its “bottom.” But such cases are rare." Igor, 29 years old, Ryazan.
• “As for me, the ground clearance of Ford Focus 3 could be higher. I have a station wagon that I often use to transport goods. When fully loaded, the ground clearance decreases by 3-4 centimeters, which creates problems when driving on bad roads. I'm always afraid of my front bumper getting caught on a curb or other obstacle. I have a 100mm lift in the garage. When I drive in, I worry all the time that I won’t hit the front bumper.” Stanislav, 43 years old, Vladivostok.
• “I have a domestic version of Ford Focus 3 with a ground clearance of 165 mm. This ground clearance is more than enough. Repeatedly went fishing and went to the dacha. I completely forgot what it was like to touch the ground with the bottom. Previously, I had a sedan with a lower ground clearance, but I did not notice any difference in stability when entering a turn. In this regard, the Ford Focus holds its own." Nikita, 28 years old, Tbilisi.

POPULAR WITH READERS: Location of fuel filters on Ford Focus 1,2,3 with gasoline engines

Summary table of Ford Focus ground clearance by year of manufacture and modifications.