suspension upgrade

whitetdci · 06-01-2014, 12:51 PM

Hi all
Just trying to find some suitable components for suspension upgrade as my MA TDCI has now done 220,000km and is a bit fidgety in the rear end. Has anyone else done anything to upgrade theirs? Having great difficulty finding anything suitable. Even coilovers are a consideration at this stage

whitetdci · 06-01-2014, 09:06 PM

Judging by my research and the inundation of replies on this thread, it is safe to say that there are not many options out there for the owners of mondeos. However, do not totally despair as there may be an option, albeit not the cheapest one. I am looking at a set of coilovers which should do the job. They will probably be around $1700 fitted. Now whilst that does sound like a lot of money, and lets face it, it is, these can be rebuilt at a fraction of the cost of replacement. I had priced out from pedders their only option for rear shocks and springs fitted at over $ 600. They also said that factory ford fronts were the only option and that the springs that they supplied were the lowered variety. Needless to say that these would be ridiculously expensive. So I hear some people saying that the coilovers would be too harsh a ride. Yes, some are but apparently these have a more user friendly spring rate. At last someone who realises that we don't want to set up our cars as drift racers!! Anyway, it looks like I will be going this way, maybe having it a tad lower than standard, but not too much. If you are new to coilovers they are generally fully adjustable spring heights as well as damper adjustment. When I get more info I will post it up. If anyone has any info on this please post it up.

b2428 · 06-01-2014, 09:51 PM

This may sound crazy but what about replacing the springs, shocks and bushes. Only saying that as at 220k can guarantee they are shagged. And mine having just over 70k has none of that so thinking the rear end issues are caused by worn out suspension. Just thinking if doing it yourself will work out a lot cheaper.

whitetdci · 07-01-2014, 08:53 AM

Errr I may have not been too clear but that was what I was going to do. However replacing OEM with OEM equipment to my way of thinking is not only more expensive but not as good a product or result. Same with bushing. Nolathane is a much better option for bushing than OEM and more responsive. For the sake of the argument I might just price out the front strut inserts and rear shocks and scare the faeces out of everyone.

whitetdci · 07-01-2014, 06:53 PM

Update. OEM strut inserts and shocks from our mates at Ford. $980 without springs or fitting. So far coilovers looking good @ $1195 approx $200 more but no springs needed. Fitting a bit more.

b2428 · 07-01-2014, 09:33 PM

That's okay. Wasn't trying to be a smarty pants haha. I wouldn't buy oem as a replacement so much. Probably a set of Monroe shocks or similar when it's time. Mind you not any time soon. If the falcons any indication will be at least 160k+ before I look into stuff like that haha. But honestly I don't know how Ford can justify their prices. It's just insane.

whitetdci · 08-01-2014, 03:07 PM

No probs, I just thought I may have been a bit unclear. AFAIK Monroe don't do any dampers aftermarket for the Mondy, hence my foray into the coil overs. These are the ones that I am looking at fitting if anyone is mildly interested.
http://www.bc-racing.co.uk/br-series-coilovers

jpblue1000 · 08-01-2014, 04:56 PM

Be prepared for a harsh ride using those. adjustable coilovers and spherical bearing (pillow ball) tops will transfer every bump and vibration not to mention the uprated bushes your planing.
Im positive, alomst 99 percent sure if you give a Koni rep a call they will have an option for you locally. Problem with OS parts is warranty and the ability to discuss your requirements with a human not an e-mail recipient.

I dont know the mondeo suspension but assume its MacPherson strut as such a cut a strut solution will work. Koni will have an insert to suit or even a whole replacement strut, these are poular enough cars. here are a pair I did recently for a Mk1 escort. RX7 inserts in escort legs.

Cheers

JP

cyclone1410 · 08-01-2014, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitetdci

No probs, I just thought I may have been a bit unclear. AFAIK Monroe don't do any dampers aftermarket for the Mondy, hence my foray into the coil overs. These are the ones that I am looking at fitting if anyone is mildly interested.
http://www.bc-racing.co.uk/br-series-coilovers

Just did a quick search online and Monroe, KYB, Koni, and others appear to have some after market choices. No idea of price or availability though and maybe they are not a good option for suspension improvement.

jpblue1000 · 08-01-2014, 06:53 PM

look for bilstein B6 XR5 shock absorbers.
or
Bilstein rears Part# VE3-E360 (I think thats ther right number)
Bilstein B8 Part # 24-143639

HAve you rung anyone up? Id sugegst get ont he phone to Abilstein or Koni supplier, well worth the money for upgraded parts.

JP

MA//MB Mondeo XR5 Bilstein B6 Sports dampers

whitetdci · 08-01-2014, 08:16 PM

The bloke I spoke to about the BCs said that they may have some Bilsteins too. The pillow mounts are a harsher ride and I am not sure if you can get a rubber mount option or not. JP, those part numbers appear to correlate to volvos (no great surprise eh). I will check them out as a viable option. Would prefer not to go coil overs if there was a better option and OEM is not it lol. The saga continues. It seems that there are not many people who have done the shocks on a mondy yet. Stay tuned......
PS thanks JP and others for the input. I had a couple of Mk1 and 2 eskys too. Raced a couple on dirt and tar as well as a chicken cooker (read rotary) or two. Know a thing or two about harsh rides and ridiculously lumpy cams ha ha ha

mighty-mon · 09-01-2014, 12:37 AM

I have the MB Mondeo xr5 turbo and have changed the suspension to Bilstein B8's on all corners. The xr5 is already lowered thus your model may require the B6 series instead as its the same shock just not shortened. If i were to do it again i would get the Pedders special order coilovers given all their adjustment.

The ride on the B8 is so much better than stock and yes its a little stiffer, but on a certain stretch of poor bitumen road the Mondeo at high speed just glides over the surface and is extremely compliant. In direct comparison to my Focus RS over the same turf, my kidneys bruise and my fillings are loosened. The Focus RS is very skittish and is in fact much harder to drive at the same speed. JW Racing in the UK http://j-w-racing.co.uk/section.php/...6d6808f7a06722 have a few options available and a few guys here in oz have gone down the BC coilover option.

I dont think anyone does uprated bushes for the Mondeo maybe im just not searching the right options on google. If you find some let me know. I also need some slight camber adjustment on the rear but again cant find any options yet.

Franco Cozzo · 09-01-2014, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mighty-mon

The ride on the B8 is so much better than stock and yes its a little stiffer, but on a certain stretch of poor bitumen road the Mondeo at high speed just glides over the surface and is extremely compliant. In direct comparison to my Focus RS over the same turf, my kidneys bruise and my fillings are loosened. The Focus RS is very skittish and is in fact much harder to drive at the same speed. JW Racing in the UK http://j-w-racing.co.uk/section.php/...6d6808f7a06722 have a few options available and a few guys here in oz have gone down the BC coilover option.

I've got a camber kit, 30mm lowering springs, whiteline rear sway bar and Bilstein B8 shocks in my Focus and the ride is fantastic, its only a little stiffer than stock.