MK1 Escort - Early Compression Struts

[Clint]

On the early Escorts Ford used a compression strut, has anyone got any info on these part numbers etc.

I am after some new arms and there a lots of new old spare dealers but most seem to use part numbers.

[TepiTheFinn]

strut: p/n 3024E 3468 C finis.no 1418077

TCA: p/n 3024E 3078 C finis.no 1420690

these are same for both sides

I have mk1 factory catalogues, ask me if you need more info

Cheers
Tepi

[Clint]

Tepi you are the man

Any idea where I might find some new ones

[TepiTheFinn]

think i saw new TCA's in eBay couple of days ago. tried to look but couldn't find them anymore

[900ss]

On the early Escorts Ford used a compression strut,

Post some pics then

[TepiTheFinn]

[Zetec_Escorts]

There have been a few sets on e-bay going cheap lately, I was quoted £40 each for new ones 2 years ago so have changed mine to aftermarket adjustable ones. You will also have problem getting new bushes for the struts themselves as they are not available anywhere I could find.

[900ss]

How rare is that
They all look like bolt on parts aswell, assuming no8 is the mount point

[Clint]

Your right No. 8 is the mount point and they are superior to aftermarket ones as the bolt hole is kept in line with the TCA bolt, the other thing is the whole set up is extreemly light.

I find it wiered that we have been bolting on aftermarket Compression Strut kits that are no better than the items ford use from day one.

Bushes are the same as some fitted to RSTurbos from what I can see.

[boXXer]

Tepi the finn IS THE MAN. Anyone agree? Whenever someone has a tech question, he pretty much ALWAYS comes out with a decent, comprehensive answer? its quality. YKT.

Mike

[900ss]

Imho "The Oracle" needs adding under his name

[markb]

DEfinitely.

[dazzle]

Don't forget Roger Miller from australia He has loads of info for escorts

[Roger Miller]

Note.

There is no facility for a sway bar.!

[glenn22481]

I agree, Tepi the man. Gave me some good info on vovlo axles recently. Lives up to his title well. Top Geeza..

[Clint]

Note.

There is no facility for a sway bar.!

Watch This Space

[dazzle]

mmmm interested to see what you do here Clint

[Clint]

Nothing too clever m8, I am going to fabricate a bracket to bolt on top of the compression strut.

[TepiTheFinn]

hey cut the crap boys...i've just got overdosed by my own ego...
oracle my ass

Cheers,
Tepi

[Roger Miller]

Food? for thought.

[900ss]

Please sir

Why use compression struts over a rollbar anyway?

What are the advantage n disadvantages?

[dazzle]

Glad you asked that Wyn I'm in learning mode

[Clint]

It is known as a 'control arm' or virtual 'A arm' , the wheel is kept in the place you want it under drive and braking positions, castor can be set exactly and progressive if required.
It is widely debated area of suspension but I had them on my 3 Door and they worked awesomely.
Tension struts are considered to be the best way of controlling the front these work in reverse to the compression strut.
A standard roll bar works like a tension strut but has too much flex to work properly, however can give excellent results, and seems to feel good when braking due to the toe out it provides under load.

[TepiTheFinn]

removing antiroll bar also makes car more oversteer.
many finnish rallydrivers don't have rollbars (or use very thin one with comp/struts or tens/struts), car turns better and faster on snow.

[Clint]

Dont forget I will still be running a rollbar but wont be using it for TCA location

[TepiTheFinn]

yes, i understood that.
my post was as a general overview

[Clint]

Tepi sorry my reply was aimed at 900ss you had mentioned a thin ARB

[900ss]

Tepi sorry my reply was aimed at 900ss

No good aiming it at me - went right over my head

[andy]

quality thread, the combined knowledge on this forum must be far greater than any other resource for fordys, probably more than ford themselves

well done to all who contribute

[Quarterless]

That all seems to make sense.
So whats the best aftermarket option?

[Clint]

www.raldes.co.uk do them quite cheaply.

heres the listing from thier cat:
ESCORT Mk II - Compression Strut Kit £94.50

[ludsonline]

Clint,
How are you going to mount your anti-roll bar then?

[Phil01825]

Can anyone help me. I've been viewing this excellent site for a few months now. All you writings, pictures, drawings and avatars have been gracing my screen perfectly until last week. Now there are no avatars, drawings but occasionally some pictures. Does anyone know what I need to change to get it all back.

[Retromotorsport]

The sites server had a problem and had to be swapped over... given some time all the images and everything else should be back to normal.. there is a thread in the main message center explaining it further

[Phil01825]

Thanks.

I thought it was me mucking my pc up again

[silverman]

Hi Clint, if you want i have a complete setup for the early escort, brackets, TCA's, arm's, nut's n bolt's, one strut and bracket need abit of TLC but an easy repair, £60 the whole lot, you can phone me on 07773240545, hope it help's, regards paul.

[Miniliteman]

With a compression strut it is vital that you get the mounting on the chassisrails in the right place, the height of it in respect to the height of the hole in the TCA.
I've swapped the compression struts om my fastroad car for tension struts, it corners better with them (Gartrac system). And also if you hit a rock or anything solid with a front wheel the compression strut could bend the chassis rail area its mount is welded on. With a tension strut you do not have that problem.

[fomoco_80]

Hello, I really need numbers 8 and 10 please? Any idea from where I might find please?

[escortservices.fr]

my 73 ex club rally mexico has ford tension struts with a flat plate bracket welded to the front of the tca for anti roll bar fixing they must have used both at the same time

[James Jordan]

I have read this thread with interest. Would the compression struts have an advange being used on track race car where the road surfaces are smooth and clean.
James