ZX2 struts

[Buddha]

K I have scoured the forums and I wanna go with the ZX2 struts with either eibach or H&R springs. My question is if I order the ZX2 struts what years of escort and what kind can I pull parts from if I dont want to order the ZX2 stuff bearings and all that other stuff. Also a quick list of what I would need off an escort would be a great help. Any other information on what I have to change or even if this would work would be awesome. Thanks for the help and advice everyone. Used to have a VR6 Golf and the vw forums suck compared to this forum.

[wytbishop]

The Escort ZX-2 was produced from 97' - 01' (I'm pretty sure). I ordered my struts and springs from http://www.oemfordparts.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and their service was excellent. Even with shipping the cost was less than if I ordered them through my local Ford dealer.

I took all the other miscellaneous parts off a 98' Escort in my local Pick n Pull. I was lucky to find a low km wrecked Escort so all the parts wer in good shape. If you can't find bearings in good shape I recommend getting new ones as you'll have a bad clicking noise from the front end when you turn. My local Ford guy quoted me $37 or so for 2 new ones.

Here is the write up I did when I did my install. There are others which also have good information.

http://www.mx-3.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=62140" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Kirk95gs]

Check out wytbishop write up.. he does a good job on this..

This is where I got my stuff from Link

M-18000-Z2 is the part number for the sturts.. I think it is from 98-03 zx-2 s/r
Springs you order are for your mx-3 make and model
(2) front strut bearings for a 98-03 zx-2
(4) dust boots for 98-03 zx-2 98-03
(2) front sturt mounts mx-3 (dont have to replace if your old ones are still in good shape)
(2) rear sturt mounts mx-3 (same as above)
(4) bump stops for zx-2 98-03
You can reuse your top strut nuts from your old sturts if they are still in good shape.
(4) camber bolts.. can but these online ebay or any autostore.. for mx-3.

you will have to enlarge your front strut mounts a little to alow the new sturt bearings to seat in.. very easy to do.. use a dremil and round it out untill the bearing sits in..

Check the FAQ for more indepth info.

[rekognize]

Is it recommended to cut your front bump stops in half?

[Kirk95gs]

Thats new to me.. I never did.... I drive on back roads in the rural country and never bottomed out enough to smash the bump stops.

[wytbishop]

I didn't cut the bumps and haven't felt any bottoming.

[umcamara]

Here's a little thought I just had. Everybody preaches about going and getting an alignment immediately after lowering the car. However, it is also common knowledge that the car does not immediately sit at it's final height. Sometimes it can take quite a while before the car "settles" at it's final height.

So wouldn't getting an alignment done right after be kind of pointless, since the car is going to get even lower soon enough?

I did the ZX-2/H&R swap a month ago, and have yet to get an alignment. The camber doesn't look bad at all. I will get one soon enough though.

[Kirk95gs]

your tires will thank you when you get it done.....

[95 rs]

i lowered my car 2 years ago now and never got an alignment and have no alignment issues what so ever. no pulling no abnormal tire wear or anything. it handles great and well the camber doesnt look out at all.

[studboy13]

so how incredibly important are these dust boots? i mean i dont wanna spend 60$ on rubber boots if i dont have to
any words of advice?

[solo_ryder]

Get universal rancho boots for like 10$ and mod to fit