96 mx3 need lowering info

[coindex]

I have a 96 mx3 and need to change my struts out. What I need to know is where can I buy some good struts and springs. Would like to lower front and rear approx. 1.7" if not 2".

I could order Eibach springs at Canadian Tire but if I want to lower will I need performance struts that I have to adjust for ride or could I just go with regular performance struts?

What strut/spring combination is good to go with?
If anyone has lowered there own ride, what parts do I all have to get?
This is what I plan on replacing:

1. struts
2. lowering springs
3. thrust bearing
4. spring seat rubber
5. dust cover
6. bound stopper
7. lower spring seat

Any information will be much appreciated. Thanks

[umcamara]

This is probably like the second most talked about topic, next to engine swaps. There's an FAQ on the ZX-2 Tokico strut swap. It'll tell you what you need to know.

I did it recently with MX-3 H&R springs, and am very satisfied.

[coindex]

If someone could give me the link to a great writeup of the zx2 struts that would be helpful.
I have read some writeups regarding the zx2 struts, though these are only OEM struts correct??
What about aftermarket(performance) struts? What struts and springs would be best for ride and drop?

[umcamara]

Here's a link Wytbishop's ZX-2 Tokico Install

The ZX-2 Tokicos are a performance strut. They are made by the performance strut company Tokico, and happen to come stock on an Escort ZX-2.

You gotta put some effort into this man, I can't spoon-feed you everything. If you go to corksport.com, and click on MX-3, then suspension or whatever, it will tell you the drop that the different springs give you.

[umcamara]

You can order the ZX-2 Tokicos and 2 metal thrust bearings from oemfordparts.com. They have probably the best price around. If you don't see the thrust bearings on the site, just call them, Keith is a very helpful guy.

The dustboots and bumpstops are best just purchased from a local parts store, they're roughly $20 per corner.

The lower spring seats are part of the struts, so you don't worry about that. The two front upper spring seats need to be enlargened a tiny bit to allow the shaft of the ZX-2 struts to go through. This is very easy. Or you can just go to an autowrecker and get the front upper seats from a ZX-2. Maybe you can find some decent bumpstops as well.

The spring seat rubbers are likely a part that you'd need to get from a ford dealership (if you go with the ZX-2 Tokicos.)

You don't need ZX-2 strut mounts, the MX-3 ones are fine. Unless they're badly rusted, in which case you can get ones for the ZX-2 or MX-3, no difference. This is another part that you could get from the wreckers. Try to find a ZX-2 in good shape, that maybe got smashed up really bad, or with a blown engine. Chances are these components should be in decent shape.

[RS_OBD'oh_2]

my 96 rs has the tokico HP's (non ford) and eibachs.. I am very happy with it, no issues at all.

[coindex]

Thanks for the help uncamera. I'll check my local area and see what I can come up with.