Ford – MTS Technik Suspension Kits

Ford Focus I – sportier stance and control with MTS Technik kits

Ford – MTS Technik Suspension Kits deliver complete sport suspension upgrades for the first-generation Focus hatchback and saloon (DF). MTS Technik Suspension Lowering Kits pair lowering springs with shortened sport shock absorbers, so reductions of 30–50 mm in ride height translate into genuine handling gains rather than just aesthetics. With options such as 30/30, 35/35, 40/40, 50/40 and 50/50 mm, you can tailor your Focus I from a mild fast-road setup to a much more aggressive stance.

According to MTS Technik, the sport suspension assembly significantly improves driving quality by reducing excessive ground clearance and wheel arch gap while limiting body movement. On a Focus I, this means noticeably less roll in corners and dive under hard braking compared with stock suspension. The car feels more stable and responsive, with sharper turn-in and better feedback through the steering wheel. A 2-year warranty with no mileage limit further underlines that these kits are designed as durable, real-world solutions.

Technical Basics

An MTS Technik Suspension Lowering Kit is a complete spring–damper package, not just a set of springs. It uses high-quality chromium–silicon steel lowering springs, cold-wound and protected by chemical coatings and powder paint to resist corrosion and maintain performance. The shortened sport dampers are tuned for the reduced travel and higher spring rates, giving a firm but controlled ride instead of the bouncy, underdamped behaviour typical of lowering springs on OE shocks.

For the Focus I saloon (DF), MTS application data specify kits that lower both axles by around 35 mm, as well as options for 40/40 and 50/50 mm drops. These values are linked directly to permitted front and rear axle-load limits and are intended for 1.4–2.0 16V petrol engines produced between the late 1990s and mid-2000s. Using a kit outside its designed load range can lead to incorrect ride height and compromised damping behaviour, so matching the kit to the car’s axle loads is crucial.

MTS documentation highlights that carefully matched springs and dampers provide a compromise between stiffness and comfort. The aim is not an ultra-harsh, track-only setup but a noticeably sportier system that still works on everyday roads. A broad catalogue of part numbers allows users to choose both the desired lowering range and the appropriate kit for their specific engine and chassis configuration, ensuring predictable results.

Selection Criteria

Choosing a Ford – MTS Technik Suspension Kit starts with accurately identifying your Focus I: hatchback or saloon (DF), engine variant (1.4–2.0 16V) and production year. The MTS Technik application charts list compatible engines and maximum front/rear axle loads for each kit, so you should always compare these to the figures in the registration or VIN data. Using the wrong kit can leave the car sitting too high or too low and outside the intended damping window.

The next decision concerns how much lowering you want. For many drivers, 30/30 or 35/35 mm drops offer an excellent balance, cleaning up the wheel arch gap and firming the chassis while retaining sufficient travel for rougher roads. The more aggressive 40/40, 50/40 and 50/50 mm options provide a more dramatic stance and further improve cornering stability, but reduce ground clearance and bump travel, making them more sensitive to speed bumps and poor surfaces. Being realistic about where and how you drive will help you choose the right drop.

Wheel and tyre configuration is also critical. On a Focus I, a 30–40 mm drop generally works well with OE or modestly upsized wheels, but wide tyres, low offsets or spacers can push the tyre close to fender lips and arch liners. After lowering, always check clearances through the full steering range and suspension travel with realistic loads on board. For daily-driven cars, leaving a margin of clearance is safer than running at the lowest possible height and risking constant rubbing and damage.

Installation & Maintenance

Installation of MTS Technik sport suspension kits should be carried out by an experienced workshop. Replacing springs and shock absorbers requires correct use of spring compressors, secure support of suspension arms and torqueing all fixings to factory specifications. During installation, it is good practice to inspect top mounts, ball joints, bushes and dust boots; replacing worn components ensures that the new suspension does not have to work alongside tired, sloppy hardware.

After installation, a full four-wheel alignment (toe, camber and caster where adjustable) is mandatory, because lowering significantly alters geometry. During the first few hundred kilometres it is wise to avoid extreme use while springs and bushings settle, then re-check bolt torques and alignment settings. Long term, routine maintenance means looking for damper oil leaks, chipped spring coating, cracked dust boots and wear in associated suspension components. Hard driving and occasional track use place extra load on the chassis, so regular inspections are essential to keep the car safe and precise.

Because sport suspension encourages more enthusiastic driving, the rest of the chassis—bushings, wheel bearings and steering components—can wear faster. Scheduling periodic checks with a suspension specialist helps catch issues early, maintaining both performance and safety. A poorly chosen or badly installed sport suspension kit can actually worsen handling and braking performance, so correct application and professional setup are just as important as the hardware itself.

FAQ

How much will an MTS Technik kit lower my Ford Focus I?
Depending on the chosen part number, Focus I kits typically offer 30/30, 35/35, 40/40, 50/40 or 50/50 mm drop. Check the individual product page for the exact lowering figures for your engine and body style.

Is the ride still comfortable for daily driving?
Yes. MTS Technik sport suspension is firmer than OE, but designed to balance stiffness and comfort. The milder drops are generally well suited to everyday use, while the larger drops are better for drivers who accept more firmness in return for sharper handling and looks.

Do I need the complete kit, or can I use lowering springs alone?
For small drops, springs alone can work, but MTS recommends pairing lowering springs with shortened sport dampers, especially beyond about 40 mm. The full kit offers better control, stability and durability than springs fitted to standard shocks.

Is wheel alignment necessary after installation?
Absolutely. Any significant lowering changes suspension geometry, so a professional four-wheel alignment is essential after fitting the kit. Skipping alignment can lead to unstable handling and rapid, uneven tyre wear.

How often should an MTS Technik suspension kit be inspected?
At least once a year, and more frequently if the car sees hard driving or track use, the entire suspension system should be checked for leaks, wear and damage. Address any unusual noises or changes in ride quality as soon as they appear.