I am the proud owner of a (fairly) straight '97 EL Futura - there are a list of things I want to do in the way of upgrades (as Charles Ash permits) with one at the top of the list being the suspension. What exactly is the difference between the factory suspension and the Tickford sport suspension kit? Can it be replicated without having to go for the (sure to be) pricey Tickford option? (availability here in NZ may be an issue anyway - plenty of good shock places around though) - recommendations? (i.e. Pedders set-up, etc)

Cheers fellas,

Kiwi Ford Fan

Best bet is to do a search on the forums here mate; there is a tonne of info to be found and the info in the threads is good and still current...

All depends on what budget your looking for - don’t go tickford setup, go something after market with a good rep and you will be miles ahead again!

So basically you just got to work out if your after looks or handling or both and a realistic budget you can setup for yourself.

Most will cost 600(cheapest) to 2000(all out Inc sway bars n so on)

Good luck & welcome to the forums!

Daniel, you restrained yourself...
Ahh well, I'll pimp it instead, before data_mine or nicco does
http://www.whiteline.com.au
I'm not sure if they have NZ distro, but if they do, you will NOT regret it.
I am EXTREMELY happy with the whiteline shocks, springs and bars I've installed in my ED, and I know there are others that are stoked with there stuff as well.

Thanks heaps guys - will definitely go the non Tickford route but was keen to know what the actual differences are between factory and TF (i.e. ride height is obviously lower - are the shocks shorter?) ... also .. I realise that a lot of guys (and gals) prefer 16" and larger alloys but I'm keen on the ROH (?) 15" as fitted to the ED XR6/8 ... what model of rim are they?

Consider it pimped. But Whiteline is at the expesnive end of the spectrum.

If you just want low, for looks sake, there's cheaper options.

If you want your car to handle and look great. Whiteline is the way to go.

XR's copped shorter springs, like you said, I believe different shocks, though don't quote me on that.
The XR's also got different upper arms on the rear.
And different alignment specs. Other then that, I don't think there was anything else?

Just the ED XR alloy option.
The 5 twin-spoke design, yes?
They pop up for sale everynow and again, check the For Sale forum.

I'll give you my honest opinion.
If you want to lower it purely for looks, then go for just what-ever springs, and what-ever shocks.
If you want a car with balanced handling, that you will feel confident punting pretty damn fast, then go for Whiteline.
My springs, shocks, and swaybars where about $1000 flat, and on tight roads around my local area, it gives the hurry up to much more expensive machinery.

Thanks for that ED ... definitely go for handling over looks - not after the "in the weeds" look. Ideally would go for a 1 - 1 1/2" in front and slightly more in back to balance it up ... want it to corner tightly rather that wallowing (like it does now).

RE the ROH 5 spokers ... yeah they are the ones I like (nice and simple - I've just brought the car and had to re-shod it ... went for Ducaro GA's all round in 205/65 ... nice tyres and a great price - under $100 per tyres - it's definitely who you know & not what you know.

What is the STYLE of those puppies called? (I have had a look on the ROH site and they don't seem to feature older rims.)

I have no idea on there name in the ROH catalogue.
Chances are they won't stock them anymore.
Your best bet would be the secondhand market.
Mostly people will just call them ED XR rims.
Good luck mate

Ha ha ha. Beat me to it again!!

I might just leave you in charge of all my recomendations from now on!!

But yeah, whiteline stuff is great, and with the "lows" i have found it looks awesome, but i still high enough to easily get over speed bumps and gutters and what not.

I know theres probably a zillion threads about this, but whilst I'm here, I'll add my 2c worth.

I went for "Pedders Sports Ryder" shocks and springs about 3 years ago, and to this day, I reckon it's the best thing I ever did to the car. Without it, I probably wouldnt be here to tell you all about it.

Admittedly, I have an EL Fairmont, which is a pretty weighty unit, and I think the best (unexpected) improvement was the braking. Like WAY WAY better! By stopping the nose from diving under brakes it made a huge difference to the time it takes to pull up.

... and of course the gear solved the body-role problem around the corners too (which was my main objective).

My gear cost me a smidgeon over $1k and had to get an adjustment kit for the front struts and stuff so they could align it. But otherwise, I've thoroughly loved it since I drove out of the shop!

It looks good (IMO) and drives awesome!