does anyone know the exact size of the shortened drop links required when lowering the fabia vrs? ive heard that 2002 mk3 mondeo are the ones ? i measured 1 earlier from stock at work, 280mm overall length, can anyone confirm this or shed any light on it? coilies can be ordered then next week

cheers mark

** edit ** since this thread has been 'bumped' a year later if anyone is looking for shorter link arms then look no further than firstline part no' FDL6354 or any alternative's to this, they fit a ford mondeo 93 - 00

Mark

Edited 27 April, 201115 yr by MarkMac

does anyone know the exact size of the shortened drop links required when lowering the fabia vrs? ive heard that 2002 mk3 mondeo are the ones ? i measured 1 earlier from stock at work, 280mm overall length, can anyone confirm this or shed any light on it? coilies can be ordered then next week

cheers mark

I'm interested in this as well. If I have -25mm springs does that mean I need to shorten the links by 25mm.

what are the drop links for? i thought they where only needed when the car is lowered past a certain point like 40mm or what ever

The ones on my 9n3 Polo GTI were 28cm. I've now got some adjustable ones on which are 24cm iirc.

Which coilovers are you going for? I think KW, Weitec and AP have a higher drop link pick up point on the dampers than on the standard ones. So you probably won't need to change yours if it is one of the mentioned brands.

Edited 17 April, 201016 yr by Gillen

Mk1 Mondeo ones are perfect, other than that I think europerformance sell a set.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ford-Mondeo-1993-2000-Front-Stabaliser-Rod-Drop-Link-x1_W0QQitemZ200255632013QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item2ea02a728d

You should only need these if going below -60mmm ish with certain dampers.

The ones on my 9n3 Polo GTI were 28cm. I've now got some adjustable ones on which are 24cm iirc.

Which coilovers are you going for? I think KW, Weitec and AP have a higher drop link pick up point on the dampers than on the standard ones. So you probably won't need to change yours if it is one of the mentioned brands.

Weitec, gonna have to be dropped around 50-60mm cos theyre far to high as std!!

Edited 17 April, 201016 yr by MarkMac

Mk1 Mondeo ones are perfect, other than that I think europerformance sell a set.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ford-Mondeo-1993-2000-Front-Stabaliser-Rod-Drop-Link-x1_W0QQitemZ200255632013QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item2ea02a728d

You should only need these if going below -60mmm ish with certain dampers.

ok cheers, i work at a motor factors so will look into these then, might get a set just incase i need them, what actually catches if anything? or is it that the std 1's dont actually fit with the new dampers?

cheers mark

ARB catches on the driveshaft

what are the drop links for? i thought they where only needed when the car is lowered past a certain point like 40mm or what ever

As far as I can see having a quick look online (your question got me wanting to know as well) They simply connect the ARB to the wishbone, or bottom half of the shock absorber. That's why you have to shorten them when you lower. It's ok if you lower a little because this system is designed to take stress in the first place.. but 40mm + must reach the point at which it starts going a bit ott in twist and pre load when and rest?? So you have to fit shortened ones to straighten it back out?

Please some one confirm or dis prove this, as I'd like to know for sure.

If I'm right, then lowering even 25mm must constrain the movement of the ARB, just a little? I can't figure out if this lost travel would translate into stiffer performance or loss of performance?

Edited 18 April, 201016 yr by Rob.

Ideally you want drop links that will retain the same loading of the ARB with suspension at rest, so adjustable ones would be best. Lowering alters the spring rate (dependent on type of suspension kit used) so the ARB operating range is effected. Too little ARB resistance and you risk tyres scrubbing on wheel arches in corners. Too much ARB resistance and you risk wheel hop on rough road surfaces.

Very complex subject car suspension, lowering for looks alone can be dangerous. Used to know a F1 tech that worked for Jordan. He said suspension was more complex than the engine systems.

cheers for input guys, ill see how whats what when i get the coilies sorted

mark

Mk1 Mondeo ones are perfect, other than that I think europerformance sell a set.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ford-Mondeo-1993-2000-Front-Stabaliser-Rod-Drop-Link-x1_W0QQitemZ200255632013QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item2ea02a728d

You should only need these if going below -60mmm ish with certain dampers.

SNAP! Thats what i'm running!

anyone know where i can get the adjustable links from?

Whooooow! All this is to much to take in. So if you really want to lower car for performance, it takes a lot more than just coilovers!

anyone know where i can get the adjustable links from?

DPM performance!

Whooooow! All this is to much to take in. So if you really want to lower car for performance, it takes a lot more than just coilovers!

Shorter link arms are not always required! it depends what make you have, i started this thread originally over a year ago and ordered/fitted weitec hicon gt's a short time afterwards, links were not required but i fitted a set anyway as it made no noticeable difference either way, and having the luxury of working in a motor factors it would be rude not to....

You will need shortened one if you wana go quite low, i have mk5/6 escort ones on mine and they do the job perfect no more rubbing on the driveshafts

mine is on KW lowered quite a bit and needed them.

Yeah the only reason you need shorter ones is to avoid rubbing on the driveshafts as lowering brings the arb closer to them. Shorter droplinks do not affect how the arb operates.

im ordering JOM coilovers hopefully next month, will be lowering 50-60mm, what drop links am i best ordering? those ones posted above in ebay link? anything else need changing when lowering?

im ordering JOM coilovers hopefully next month, will be lowering 50-60mm, what drop links am i best ordering? those ones posted above in ebay link? anything else need changing when lowering?

Its worthwhile getting new upper suspension mounts/bearings whilst you're changing things. You may find that you'll not require different droplinks, but you can get the shortened ones from DPM / Awesome etc..

i keep pointing out the fact that you dont have to pay silly money for shortened link arms from a 'performance' company when they will only be the same as any aftermarket mondeo units at half the price