Escort handles like crap... Need suggestions of where to find parts

[oldschoolvw]

I need to replace suspension parts on a 99 ford escort. Where do I go to look for good suspension parts. Looking for a nice clean ride, better than stock, but this thing is my fiancee's car and she has been spoiled by driving my gti. It will never see a track or heavily abusive driving. I need shocks, springs, bushings, strut mounts... Moderate lowering is desired but not necessary.

[07GTI]

might want to try ford performance parts (ford racing) or something like that, not sure there is much out there for the escort performance wise. :dunno:

[SirRangeALot]

I just did a search on shox.com (http://www.shox.com/) and they actually have a decent selection for Escorts. Shox.com is where I bought my setup and I highly recommend them. Great service and great price. I would contact them to see if they'd do a combo setup for you. I got my setup for ~$750 shipped. I'm sure the Escort's will be a tad cheaper. ;)

BOL!

[OrangeDUB]

Adding a rear sway bar is always going to improve cornering as well. Not sure how much you want to get into it though.

[oldschoolvw]

I don't want to sink too much money into it. I may just have to go stock, but if I can find something that is a step above stock for not too much more, I'll go for it. If it was my vw I wouldn't have anyproblem but I am unfamilier with what companies cater to escorts and which ones to trust.

[Mk4Gasm]

I googled it and came up with lots of results for "escort suspension". The obvious brands are popular I even saw a set of FK shocks and a Koni suspension kit. For uber cheap though I don't know

[lenny]

I thought you may like this (maybe you've already found this on your own)

http://www2.partstrain.com/store/?Ntt=Suspension&N=1616%2010350%204294965615

Aftermarket go here

http://www.europerformance.co.uk/Ford_Escort_Suspension.htm

What is she/you looking for exactly? Just a crisper/cleaner ride with better handing? If that's the case, then I'm sure just freshen up of just the struts/shocks aka "new" (no springs, assuming you have less than 200k) will firm up the ride considerably.

More performance links
http://www.2kracing.com/Category/Ford/Escort/Shocks_&_Struts.html

http://www.2kracing.com/Category/Ford/Escort/Springs.html

Also, these springs don't look too terrible on an upgraded shock (try KYB at your local advanced autoparts. They're a gas shock that can handle the logistics of a lower stance aka "less travel")

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997-2001-Ford-Escort-Megan-Racing-Lowering-Springs_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1 116QQitemZ170196238965QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5f PartsQ5fAccessories

Honestly, if you're just trying to get your chicks car fixed. Start off by replacing the struts. I'm sure that everyone in the know-how here agrees with me. If that doesn't fix it move on to the springs. Of course you need to check all control arm, tie-rod, ball-joints, axles, and alignment (wheels) before you even get to ordering parts......Good luck
-Dan

[oldschoolvw]

thanks guys, looks like i have a good base to go from. I'm no stranger to suspension work. Just not on these dumb fords....lol I think the strangest thing is how much I can just get at local parts stores... Now comes the part where we save the money, then the part where I cuss at the car because it isn't as simple as my vw.

[BROBS]

you may find it more simple ;)

just whatever you do if you get any kind of lowering spring make sure the struts can handle lowered rideheights..
some KYB's are made for it and some are just stock replacements :tu:

[850 T-5]

a good spot to check would be www.corksport.com. They have a decent selection of upgraded stuff for escorts/323 and other ford/mazda cars. Can be pricey though. But neat stuff none the less.