Thinking of lowering...

[uRabbit]

I know people tha hypermile with older vehicles don't hesitate to chop the springs on their cars to achieve higher fuel economy. I am thinking about doing it to the Focus. It's free, relatively easy, and could save us even more money. Plus, the Focus looks like a cat in heat with how high its rear is... Ha!

What do you guys think? This thing is already kind of choppy, but it could possibly do okay with a little lowering...

[mcrews]

Welcome!
why ruin the ride quality?
Have you done any of the 65 things recommended?
65+ Vehicle modifications for better fuel economy - EcoModder.com

[Sven7]

Have you adjusted the "nut behind the wheel" and added grille blocks? Lowering the car is going to have a relatively small impact on MPG.

If you go that route though there are cheap springs available because of the Focus' popularity. For $76 shipped you can get a 2" drop (that will look great) semi-properly without taking an angle grinder to your suspension.

DNA SUSPENSION LOWERING SPRINGS RED 00-04 FORD FOCUS | eBay

[uRabbit]

Originally Posted by Sven7

Have you adjusted the "nut behind the wheel" and added grille blocks? Lowering the car is going to have a relatively small impact on MPG.

If you go that route though there are cheap springs available because of the Focus' popularity. For $76 shipped you can get a 2" drop (that will look great) semi-properly without taking an angle grinder to your suspension.

Nut?

I have not done grille blocks yet. It's on my list. Actually, I've not done ANY mods at all. We are, unfortunately, not able to afford any.

[mcrews]

yeah 'nut'.
and your comment means you haven't read anything.
So try reading, then you'll realize who the 'nut behind the wheel is.

It doesnt tkae money to get good mileage......it takes time.
You have to educate yourself by reading the links that are given to you.

let us know what you've done or tried.

dont go cutting up your springs, ruining the geometry of the suspension, not being able to restore it, before you do some of the items on the list.

[CigaR007]

Originally Posted by uRabbit

Nut?

It is referred to the driver. Adjusting the nut behind the wheel ultimately means changing your driving habits in order to maximize fuel economy.

Welcome aboard !

[Sven7]

Also, start a fuel log ("Garage" link up top). It will help you discover what works, and what doesn't. With the money you save (and you will save quite a bit of money) you can buy some 4x8 sheets of coroplast (google it) and start doing some aero mods to augment your driving style.

[NachtRitter]

Or wait 'til elections are over and grab a bunch of 'free' coroplast election signs!

[redorchestra]

Originally Posted by uRabbit

I know people tha hypermile with older vehicles don't hesitate to chop the springs on their cars to achieve higher fuel economy. I am thinking about doing it to the Focus. It's free, relatively easy, and could save us even more money. Plus, the Focus looks like a cat in heat with how high its rear is... Ha!

What do you guys think? This thing is already kind of choppy, but it could possibly do okay with a little lowering...

I drive a focus too, 2007 zx5, what do you have? I gained some fuel economy by changing my plugs for Autolite 104 copper plugs gapped to 0.055. i recently made an upper grille block from a piece of Orange coroplast cut to fit and held on with a piece of transparent adhesive shelf liner trimmed to only cover the Chrome. I ziptied a lower grill block on but it still needs some work.

I Am going to use an empty cut up two liter bottle to cover the fog lights and I am thinking of covering the rims with the same shelf liner to make smooth wheel covers. there are so many cheap almost free mods to try before resorting to chopping suspension.

[uRabbit]

/facepalm

I am a regular over at CleanMPG.com. If you notice my sig, I am getting 126% EPA.

Never mind, guys...