Want to give your 2014 Ford Focus a little more ground clearance, improve its off-road capability (within reason, of course!), or just get a better vantage point for working underneath it? Lifting your Focus might be the answer. While it's not as straightforward as lifting a truck, it's a manageable project for the informed DIY enthusiast, and this guide will walk you through the process, considerations, and potential pitfalls.
Why Would You Even Want to Lift a Ford Focus?
Okay, let's be honest, a 2014 Ford Focus isn't exactly a rock crawler. But there are several legitimate reasons why you might consider lifting one:
- Improved Ground Clearance: Even a small lift can make a big difference when navigating rough roads, snow, or even just high curbs. This can help prevent scraping the undercarriage and potentially damaging components.
- Enhanced Off-Road Capability (Sort Of): While a Focus will never be a Jeep, a slight lift combined with appropriate tires can make it more capable on unpaved surfaces like gravel roads or mild trails. Think camping access, not Moab.
- A Unique Look: Let's face it, a lifted Focus stands out from the crowd. If you're looking to personalize your car and give it a more aggressive stance, a lift kit can achieve that.
- Easier Maintenance: Lifting the car provides more working room underneath, making routine maintenance tasks like oil changes and exhaust work significantly easier.
What Are Your Lifting Options? (And Which One Is Right for You?)
There are a few different ways to lift your 2014 Ford Focus, each with its own pros and cons:
Strut Spacers/Coil Spring Spacers: These are the most common and generally the least expensive option. They essentially add a spacer between the strut mount and the car's body, or between the coil spring and its perch, effectively raising the vehicle.
- Pros: Affordable, relatively easy to install, minimal impact on ride quality (with smaller lifts).
- Cons: Can negatively impact handling with larger lifts, may require longer brake lines or other modifications at higher lift heights, can compress the suspension travel.
Lift Kits (Complete Kits): These kits typically include strut spacers, but may also include other components like modified control arms, sway bar links, and extended brake lines. They're designed for a more comprehensive lift and often address potential issues associated with lifting the vehicle.
- Pros: Designed as a complete system, often includes necessary hardware and instructions, better handling characteristics compared to strut spacers alone (especially with larger lifts).
- Cons: More expensive than strut spacers, installation can be more complex.
Coilover Suspension: This is the most expensive and complex option. It involves replacing the entire strut assembly with adjustable coilovers, which allow you to fine-tune the ride height and damping.
- Pros: Highly adjustable ride height and damping, improved handling performance, allows for a wider range of lift heights.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive, requires specialized tools and knowledge for installation and adjustment, can compromise ride comfort if not properly tuned.
Choosing the right option depends on your budget, desired lift height, and mechanical skill. For a small lift (1-2 inches) and a tight budget, strut spacers might be sufficient. For a more significant lift or improved handling, a complete lift kit or coilovers are recommended.
Essential Tools You'll Need
Before you even think about touching your Focus, make sure you have the right tools. Here’s a list to get you started:
- Jack and Jack Stands: Absolutely essential for safely lifting and supporting the vehicle. Never work under a car supported only by a jack! Use sturdy jack stands rated for the weight of your car.
- Wheel Chocks: To prevent the car from rolling while you're working on it.
- Socket Set: A comprehensive socket set with both metric and standard sizes is a must.
- Wrench Set: Similar to the socket set, make sure you have a variety of wrench sizes.
- Torque Wrench: Crucial for tightening bolts to the correct specifications. This is vital for safety and preventing damage.
- Spring Compressors: Required for safely removing and installing the struts. Using spring compressors incorrectly can be extremely dangerous! Rent or purchase a quality set and follow the instructions carefully.
- Hammer: For persuasion (use sparingly!).
- Pry Bar: For leverage when separating components.
- Penetrating Oil: To loosen stubborn bolts. Apply liberally and let it soak in.
- Wheel Bearing Grease: To lubricate suspension components during reassembly.
- Alignment Tools (Optional): After lifting your Focus, you'll need to get it aligned. While you can take it to a professional, having your own alignment tools can save you money in the long run.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris.
- Gloves: Protect your hands.
- Work Light: Good lighting is essential for seeing what you're doing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Strut Spacers (A Common Lifting Method)
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Lifting a vehicle can be dangerous. If you are not comfortable performing this task, it is best to have it done by a qualified mechanic. We are not responsible for any damage or injury that may occur as a result of following these instructions.
1. Preparation is Key:
- Read the Instructions: Carefully read the instructions that came with your lift kit. These instructions will provide specific details for your particular kit and vehicle.
- Gather Your Tools: Make sure you have all the necessary tools readily available.
- Park on a Level Surface: Park your Focus on a level, hard surface.
- Engage the Parking Brake: Make sure the parking brake is fully engaged.
- Chock the Rear Wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
2. Loosen the Lug Nuts:
- Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels. Don't remove them completely yet.
3. Lift the Vehicle:
- Use a jack to lift the front of the vehicle. Place the jack under a designated jacking point on the frame. Consult your owner's manual for the proper jacking points.
- Place jack stands under the frame rails, near the jacking points. Make sure the jack stands are securely positioned and locked in place.
- Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.
4. Remove the Wheels:
- Completely remove the lug nuts and take off the front wheels.
5. Disconnect the Brake Lines and ABS Sensor (Carefully!):
- Locate the brake lines and ABS sensor wires attached to the strut assembly.
- Carefully disconnect the brake lines and ABS sensor wires from the strut. Be extremely careful not to damage the brake lines! You may need to use a wrench to loosen the fittings. Secure the brake lines and ABS sensor wires out of the way so they don't get damaged during the removal process.
6. Disconnect the Sway Bar Link:
- Use a wrench to disconnect the sway bar link from the strut assembly.
7. Loosen the Strut Mount Bolts:
- Locate the bolts that secure the strut mount to the vehicle's body. These are usually located under the hood.
- Loosen these bolts, but don't remove them completely yet. This will make it easier to remove the strut assembly.
8. Remove the Strut Assembly:
- Support the strut assembly with one hand.
- Remove the remaining strut mount bolts.
- Carefully lower the strut assembly out of the vehicle.
9. Compress the Coil Spring (Safety First!):
- This is the most dangerous part of the process! Use spring compressors to safely compress the coil spring on the strut assembly. Follow the instructions that came with your spring compressors carefully!
- Once the coil spring is compressed, remove the strut mount.
10. Install the Strut Spacer:
- Place the strut spacer on top of the strut mount.
- Reinstall the strut mount onto the strut assembly.
- Slowly release the spring compressors, making sure the coil spring is properly seated.
11. Reinstall the Strut Assembly:
- Carefully lift the strut assembly back into the vehicle.
- Reinstall the strut mount bolts. Tighten the bolts to the correct torque specification.
12. Reconnect the Sway Bar Link, Brake Lines, and ABS Sensor:
- Reconnect the sway bar link to the strut assembly.
- Reconnect the brake lines and ABS sensor wires to the strut. Make sure the brake lines are properly secured and not kinked.
13. Reinstall the Wheels:
- Reinstall the wheels and tighten the lug nuts by hand.
14. Lower the Vehicle:
- Use a jack to lift the vehicle off the jack stands.
- Remove the jack stands.
- Slowly lower the vehicle to the ground.
15. Torque the Lug Nuts:
- Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the correct torque specification. Consult your owner's manual for the proper torque specification.
16. Repeat on the Other Side:
- Repeat steps 2-15 on the other side of the vehicle.
17. Get an Alignment:
- After lifting your Focus, it is essential to get it aligned. This will ensure that your tires wear evenly and that your car handles properly.
Things to Consider Before You Lift
- Tire Size: Lifting your Focus can allow you to run larger tires, which can further improve ground clearance and off-road capability. However, be careful not to go too big, as this can cause rubbing and other problems.
- Alignment: As mentioned above, getting an alignment after lifting your Focus is essential. Lifting the vehicle changes the suspension geometry, which can throw off the alignment.
- CV Joints: Lifting your Focus can put extra stress on the CV joints, especially at higher lift heights. If you notice any clicking or popping noises when turning, you may need to replace the CV joints.
- Warranty: Lifting your Focus may void your warranty. Check with your dealer before making any modifications.
- Local Laws: Be aware of any local laws or regulations regarding vehicle modifications. Some areas may have restrictions on lift heights or tire sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Will lifting my Focus affect my gas mileage? Yes, lifting your Focus can slightly decrease your gas mileage due to increased wind resistance and possibly larger, heavier tires.
- How much does it cost to lift a Ford Focus? The cost varies depending on the type of lift kit you choose and whether you install it yourself or have it done professionally. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1000 or more.
- Can I lift my Focus too much? Yes, lifting your Focus too much can cause problems with the suspension geometry, CV joints, and other components. Stick to a reasonable lift height (1-3 inches) for best results.
- Do I need to get new shocks after lifting my Focus? Not necessarily for small lifts (1-2 inches). However, for larger lifts, longer shocks may be required to maintain proper suspension travel.
- Will lifting my Focus make it handle worse? It depends. A poorly installed lift or a lift with inadequate components can negatively impact handling. A well-designed lift kit or coilover suspension can actually improve handling.
In Conclusion
Lifting your 2014 Ford Focus can be a rewarding project that improves its ground clearance, enhances its appearance, and makes maintenance easier. Remember to choose the right lifting method for your needs and budget, use the correct tools, and take your time to ensure a safe and successful installation. Always prioritize safety and consult with a professional if you're unsure about any part of the process.