The Ultimate Guide to Coilovers
If there’s one modification that completely transforms how a Ford drives, it’s a quality set of coilovers.
Whether you’re looking for sharper handling on your favourite B-road, improved performance on track or simply want to achieve the perfect stance, coilovers remain one of the most popular suspension upgrades available.
However, they’re also one of the most misunderstood.
Many enthusiasts believe coilovers are simply lowering springs with adjustable height. In reality, they’re a complete suspension system that allows you to fine-tune how your car rides, handles and performs.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know before upgrading your Ford ST or RS.
What Are Coilovers?
The word coilover simply means coil spring over shock absorber.
Unlike the factory suspension, where the spring and damper are designed around a fixed ride height, coilovers allow adjustments to better suit your driving style.
A complete coilover kit typically includes:
- Performance dampers
- Matched performance springs
- Threaded shock bodies
- Adjustable spring platforms
- Height adjustment collars
- Mounting hardware
Higher-end kits may also include adjustable top mounts and damping controls.
Why Upgrade to Coilovers?
Factory suspension is designed to suit every driver and every road condition.
A quality coilover kit focuses on performance.
Benefits include:
- Sharper handling
- Reduced body roll
- Improved cornering stability
- Adjustable ride height
- Better weight transfer
- Improved steering response
- More aggressive appearance
When correctly set up, a good coilover kit can improve confidence just as much as it improves lap times.
Lowering Springs vs Coilovers
Lowering springs reduce ride height by replacing only the springs while retaining the factory dampers.
Coilovers replace the entire suspension assembly.
Lowering Springs
Pros
- Lower cost
- Simple installation
- Improved appearance
- Suitable for mild road use
Cons
- Fixed ride height
- Factory dampers may wear more quickly
- Limited tuning potential
Coilovers
Pros
- Adjustable ride height
- Matched springs and dampers
- Superior handling
- Better long-term solution
- Greater adjustment
Cons
- Higher initial cost
- More setup required
- Firmer ride on some kits
Ride Height Isn’t Everything
One of the biggest mistakes enthusiasts make is lowering the car as much as possible.
Lower doesn’t automatically mean better.
Excessive lowering can cause:
- Poor suspension geometry
- Reduced suspension travel
- Increased bump steer
- Driveshaft issues
- Tyre rubbing
- Faster tyre wear
A properly set ride height balances appearance with suspension performance.
For most fast-road Ford builds, a drop of around 25–35mm provides an excellent compromise between looks and drivability.
Understanding Spring Rates
Spring rate refers to how much force is required to compress the spring.
Softer springs:
- Better ride comfort
- Greater body movement
- More grip on uneven roads
Stiffer springs:
- Reduced body roll
- Sharper turn-in
- Improved track performance
- Firmer ride
Manufacturers spend significant time matching spring rates to the dampers. This is why a quality coilover kit generally performs better than mixing unrelated components.
Monotube vs Twin-Tube Dampers
Not all dampers are created equal.
Twin-Tube
Most entry-level and fast-road kits use twin-tube dampers.
Advantages
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Excellent for daily driving
- More affordable
Monotube
Typically found on premium suspension systems.
Advantages
- Better heat management
- Faster damping response
- More consistent performance
- Excellent for spirited driving and track use
Adjustable Damping Explained
Many premium coilover kits allow you to adjust damping.
This controls how quickly the suspension compresses and rebounds.
Softer settings:
- Better comfort
- Improved grip on rough roads
Stiffer settings:
- Reduced body movement
- Improved steering precision
- Better track performance
There’s no single “best” setting. The ideal setup depends on your tyres, road surface and driving style.
What Is Preload?
One of the most misunderstood terms in suspension tuning.
Spring preload is not used to lower the car.
Instead, preload ensures the spring remains correctly seated when the suspension reaches full extension.
Ride height should be adjusted using the threaded damper body on properly designed coilovers—not by compressing the spring excessively.
Incorrect preload can compromise ride quality and suspension performance.
Top Mounts Explained
Some coilover kits include adjustable top mounts.
Benefits include:
- Camber adjustment
- Sharper steering response
- Improved tyre contact during cornering
- Better setup flexibility
They’re particularly useful for fast-road and track-focused cars.
Don’t Forget Wheel Alignment
Installing coilovers changes your suspension geometry.
Driving without a proper wheel alignment can lead to:
- Uneven tyre wear
- Poor straight-line stability
- Reduced grip
- Steering pull
Always book a professional four-wheel alignment after fitting new suspension.
It’s one of the most important parts of the installation process.
🔧 Retro Fast Fords Workshop Tip
Don’t judge your new ride height the moment the car comes off the jack.
Drive the car for 50–100 miles to allow the springs to settle naturally before making any final ride height adjustments or booking your wheel alignment.
Patience here will save you time and give you a more accurate final setup.
Choosing the Right Coilovers
Daily Driver
Choose comfort-focused twin-tube coilovers with fixed damping.
Fast Road
Look for adjustable ride height and damping, offering the perfect balance between comfort and performance.
Weekend B-Road Car
Choose a quality monotube kit with adjustable damping and matched spring rates.
Track Car
Prioritise monotube dampers, adjustable top mounts and wider damping adjustment for maximum setup flexibility.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these common errors:
- Lowering the car too much
- Ignoring wheel alignment
- Running mismatched tyre pressures
- Over-tightening adjustment collars
- Using preload to adjust ride height
- Buying solely on price
A properly installed mid-range kit will almost always outperform a poorly installed premium setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are coilovers better than lowering springs?
If you want maximum handling performance, adjustability and long-term value, yes.
Do coilovers make the ride uncomfortable?
Not necessarily. A quality kit that’s correctly adjusted can be surprisingly comfortable for everyday driving.
How low should I go?
For most road-driven Ford ST and RS models, around 25–35mm provides an excellent balance between appearance, handling and practicality.
Do I need adjustable damping?
Not essential, but it offers greater flexibility if you enjoy spirited driving or occasional track days.
How long do coilovers last?
A high-quality kit that’s properly maintained can provide many years of reliable performance. Regular cleaning of the threaded bodies helps prevent corrosion and keeps height adjustment easy.
Final Thoughts
A quality set of coilovers is about far more than achieving the perfect stance.
Done properly, they improve steering response, reduce body roll, inspire confidence and make every drive more rewarding.
The key is choosing a kit that matches how you actually use your car. Daily drivers, fast-road builds and track-focused machines all have different suspension requirements, and the best setup is one that complements your driving style—not just your Instagram feed.
Invest in quality, have them installed correctly, finish with a professional wheel alignment and your Ford will reward you every time you turn the wheel.
Related Articles
- Lowering Springs vs Suspension Kits
- The Complete Guide to Brake Upgrades
- Wheel Offset & Tyre Sizes Explained
- The Ultimate Guide to Intercoolers
- Engine Mapping Explained
Focus Keywords
- Ford coilovers
- Fiesta ST coilovers
- Focus ST suspension
- Focus RS coilovers
- Adjustable suspension
- Coilover guide
- Suspension tuning
- Ride height adjustment
- Monotube vs twin-tube
- Ford suspension upgrades
