Need Help (Focus)

[94 lngbd]

1/4 0r 3/8 steel plate cut to the same diameter as the strut mounting surface, Drill holes for the strut to mount to that plate may have to cut a hole incenter of the plate for top of strut isolator. Weld on a 3/4" tall section of 4" diameter tubing that is at least 3/16" wall thickness. Weld ontop of the tube another 1/4 or 3/8 round piece of plate steel with same holes drilled for bolts to go through & weld the bolts on bottom side of the top plate. Those bolts will go up into strut mounting area that the srtuts originally went into.

You may need to lower the pivot point of the lower control arms. If they attach to a cross member then may be lower the cross member with spacers , but the engine may need to be raised if its bolted to that cross member.

I once Had a 72 Datsun 2dr 510 sedan that I did something like this to but I went as far as to install a Nissan front diff & FWD maxima struts, Suzuki Samurai divorced tarnsfer case,R200 rear diff from a 80 280zx & the 5 spd from the same zx. Had 30x9.50 15s on it & it was a blast.

SORRY but this was long before cell phones or digital camera's so I dont have any pics

 

[clvanhorn]

judging by some of kip's other posts, idk if its a good idea to tell this kid how to do anything dealing with the suspension so he doesn't kill himself or someone else...

 

[94 lngbd]

I woulds assume that he would have enough cense to get any suspension welded parts welded professsionally as your right about his welding abilities & knowledge of basic automotive know how.

 

[Ranger Kip]

my welding isn't that bad, Ive welded quite a bit and practiced a lot of different techniques, as well as doing samples and taking them to my local welder for examination.

 

[02RangerXLT]

my welding isn't that bad, Ive welded quite a bit and practiced a lot of different techniques, as well as doing samples and taking them to my local welder for examination.

When welding things that can be life or death for you or someone else's family... you can't just be "that bad" at welding.

 

[adsm08]

I've been kinda quiet on the subject of welding extended studs to the strut mounts, but I think it's time to chime in.

As a Ford tech, a suspension specialist, a state certified safety inspector, and your friend, I would advise against welding stud extensions to the top of the strut mounts. It might hold, it might not. A lot of stress gets put in that area the way you guys drive that car. More length from the base means more stress. Given the consequences of a potential failure in that area I would rather tell you not to do it and be wrong about it's potential for failure than to say "Eh, it will probably hold" and be wrong.

Also, if I saw a focus come in for inspection that was an inch too high you can bet I'm gonna be asking a lot of questions about how it got that way. I'm also willing to bet my inspection license that I can find somewhere in the vehicle code where that isn't legal.

 

[Snoranger]

I've been kinda quiet on the subject of welding extended studs to the strut mounts, but I think it's time to chime in.

As a Ford tech, a suspension specialist, a state certified safety inspector, and your friend, I would advise against welding stud extensions to the top of the strut mounts. It might hold, it might not. A lot of stress gets put in that area the way you guys drive that car. More length from the base means more stress. Given the consequences of a potential failure in that area I would rather tell you not to do it and be wrong about it's potential for failure than to say "Eh, it will probably hold" and be wrong.

Also, if I saw a focus come in for inspection that was an inch too high you can bet I'm gonna be asking a lot of questions about how it got that way. I'm also willing to bet my inspection license that I can find somewhere in the vehicle code where that isn't legal.

I was thinking more of a spacer then stud extensions...

If i were to put in longer studs, I would machine an aluminum spacer and the studs would go all the way through the top plate, spacer, and upper mount.

 

[adsm08]

Yeah, that is a much better idea.

 

[Ranger Kip]

I was thinking more of a spacer then stud extensions...

If i were to put in longer studs, I would machine an aluminum spacer and the studs would go all the way through the top plate, spacer, and upper mount.

I could design some of those, I already got some tests Im going to be doing tomorrow

 

[koda6966]

I've got quite a fe beers and me andthat still dosnt look like a good idea.

 

[clvanhorn]

my welding isn't that bad, Ive welded quite a bit and practiced a lot of different techniques, as well as doing samples and taking them to my local welder for examination.

but you're still a ****ing idiot.... that doesn't make up for shit

 

[clvanhorn]

i mean seriously. even if i get kicked off the forum, this kid is a ****ing retard. i can't be the only one sick of his god damn questions....

 

[koda6966]

lol.

 

[Ranger Kip]

i mean seriously. even if i get kicked off the forum, this kid is a ****ing retard. i can't be the only one sick of his god damn questions....

panties in a bunch?

 

[brinker88]

panties in a bunch?

Nope, he actually gives a shit about the people he's around. I'd highly suggest you not come around my area. You deserve a high five in the face that I'd gladly give you.