New suspension....
 

My 92 Pro is getting a bit bouncy ...and i think my front drivers side is almost shot....so i'm looking at getting new struts (front ) and thrust plates....i'm assuming that that should be the first step in doing the suspension....anyways...i don't want to go entirly cheap ( ct priced $86 and $98 per strut ) but i really can't spend too much...i'm looking at spending 150 per strut...maybe...if it's worth it.... any input on parts..or a different asspect of the suspension that i should do first....i'm open to anything.....as long as i wont have to get another job ;)

Tokico ZX2 struts, not Tokico Blues
 

We'll just assume that you just found this board and haven't gotten to read the FAQ's and do a search. A bit of information to get you started. Because the Ford Escort ZX2 borrows the 1st gen chassis, performance suspension parts such as struts and springs are applicable. Tokico manufactures the struts which are designed to be mated to the 1" drop Eibach springs. Note that these are not the Tokico Blues. Currently priced at around $180 @ www.oemfordparts.com, the set of 4 struts is by far the best value for 1990-1994 Protege owners. Installation is well documented by board mod 'MazdaspeedWest' on his website. You also need Ford front thrust bearings, which you can also purchase from the same website, running around ~$60. It can be difficult to find them, they are popular and such a value to type-BG chassis owners. Good luck.

Well, they aren't 'Blue'. More specifically they are called Tokico HP struts. The ZX2 struts on the other hand are designed specifically to be used in conjunction with Eibach springs. Also, the ZX2 struts' shaft are 2mm larger than stock struts, assuming the Tokico HP struts are designed from the OEM design, this negates the use of new Ford thrust bearings. In the words of 'PseudoRealityX': "They are valved stiffer than the regular
tokico blues, since the ZX2 is heavier, and they are made to
correctly dampen a 1" eibach lowering spring for the ZX2." But from what I gather HP struts were suggested to be used when lowering beyond 1.5", but don't quote me on that. About a year ago, before the ZX2 struts became the defacto standard, strut selection ran thinner than Kristen Dunst's shirt in the rain (j/k :) a la Spiderman) and we were left to choose from rather pricey options such as MS, Tokico HP or imported KYB. I know, I know why then was the HP suggested on Heavy duty use when they weren't valved as stiff as Tokico ZX2s? That's a question that I'm sure someone else knows the answer to, I'm still learning how the suspension works.

I don't understand why people suggest using the Blues beyond 1.5". First of all, who would want to go that low. You'd have no suspension travel. But the Tokico Blues don't have enough rebound damping for the stock springs, much less higher rate lowering springs.

The ZX-2 struts have higher rebound damping necessary for the use of higher rate springs. But they'll work just fine with the stock Protege springs. You'll just get a firmer and more controlled ride.

Which Year ZX2??
 

does it matter which year ZX2 we get the Struts for?? i have a '94 dx if that matters too..

I believe they made the ZX2 from 2000 on?? So either year work??

Re: Which Year ZX2??
 

Nope, you just get the ZX-2 S/R struts from the website linked above. You have to search a bit, as they redesigned their website to make it nearly impossible to find anything. I think it's under parts, then Compact Perfromance, or something like that. Or you can just follow this link. Don't know about the part number for the bearings though.

Thanks man... Oemfordparts with shipping is only $174.72

Not bad.. I still have to find the cheapest place for the Eibach 1" Springs, since that was my plan in the first place, before I found out that those 2 mate well...

I'll keep everyone posted on my venture to New Suspension...

wow....that ain't bad...but of course...that's american ......i don't relaly need to lower it...anyone know a place to get struts in canada ....about 150 a piece......or.....anyone got some for sale..

you know that $174.72 price is for ALL 4 struts, right?!! ;)

you can get the Eibach springs from them as well...i paid $423.53 for EVERYTHING (inc thrust bearings and shipping)

$424 uh?? I can't find the thrust bearing on there.. Where they located? I found the Springs and Struts.. Good Price on the springs..

Yea I know it's for all 4 struts.. I gotta add up a little bit on money here soon to get all of that, but 1st I gotta get my AC converted to R134A.. About $150.00 to do so... I've got it, but I also have to pay rent that paycheck.. hmmm, which one is more importtant?? lol

Anyways...

quote:
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you know that $174.72 price is for ALL 4 struts, right?!!

you can get the Eibach springs from them as well...i paid $423.53 for EVERYTHING (inc thrust bearings and shipping

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is that american ? i don't know if i need springs or not...how could i tell...?
oh and where did you get them from again ?

got them from www.oemfordparts.com and yes, that's american $$$.....i might recommend calling them direct and ask for Teresa Valley; that's what i did and she was VERY nice to deal with.
#'s:
18002567933 or 18175968074

and Jcon....yeah since you're in AZ, maybe the AC ;)
i dunno where the thrust bearings are on their site - i called Teresa...