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Got banned off the RSOC for proving that the Focus RS isn't anything really special, hosting most parts off a normal Focus, but with subtle differences. Its a great car, but it isn't built like a Mercedes is it, its still a Ford with bits from the parts bin and some redeveloped parts from standard i.e. radiator exactly the same as an ST170/1.8 Diesel (but mention RS and its instantly more expensive), chargecooler box bushes cost an arm and a leg (but are the same as bushes off a Mondeo at £1.50 each) etc. But the powers that be seemed fit to ban me for showing that people don't need to pay RS tax from Ford when purchasing new parts. More freedom to be had in a communist country 
The topic was the front track control arm, which on the RS is apparently reinforced with an extra internal plate located around the gusset hole and has 2 different bushes. It also costs £350 from Ford, where the standard arm costs £100 all in. But when I cut open the genuine example that has the correct RS part number, I found no extra strengthening plate, the rear bush is larger, but the front bush simply has a 2mm larger insert for the 14mm bolt (standard Focus uses a 12mm bolt). But the bush is exactly the same and we all know Ford bushes even outlast polybushes. To all intent purposes, they are EXACTLY the same.
I guess some people are gullible enough to believe what a manufacturer tells them, like "the RS does NOT torquesteer" than having proof laid out in front of them
Here's the arm (sorry about the shoddy grinding, was in a rush to find out the truth). The part number on a genuine RS part starts with 1M50, where normal Focus parts start with 2M51. I fitted a standard arm to the Mrs RS (as it needed a new ball joint, and a full arm is just easier to sort out) and used a lathe to cut out 2mm from the large insert of the front bush to allow fitment of the original 14mm bolt. The rear bush I left as it is and it all fits with ease.
Best part is, after checking the geometry in the local garage after a hard driving day over the Peak District, both sides still sit exactly the same as each other. No problems at all.
The topic was the front track control arm, which on the RS is apparently reinforced with an extra internal plate located around the gusset hole and has 2 different bushes. It also costs £350 from Ford, where the standard arm costs £100 all in. But when I cut open the genuine example that has the correct RS part number, I found no extra strengthening plate, the rear bush is larger, but the front bush simply has a 2mm larger insert for the 14mm bolt (standard Focus uses a 12mm bolt). But the bush is exactly the same and we all know Ford bushes even outlast polybushes. To all intent purposes, they are EXACTLY the same.
I guess some people are gullible enough to believe what a manufacturer tells them, like "the RS does NOT torquesteer" than having proof laid out in front of them
Here's the arm (sorry about the shoddy grinding, was in a rush to find out the truth). The part number on a genuine RS part starts with 1M50, where normal Focus parts start with 2M51. I fitted a standard arm to the Mrs RS (as it needed a new ball joint, and a full arm is just easier to sort out) and used a lathe to cut out 2mm from the large insert of the front bush to allow fitment of the original 14mm bolt. The rear bush I left as it is and it all fits with ease.
Best part is, after checking the geometry in the local garage after a hard driving day over the Peak District, both sides still sit exactly the same as each other. No problems at all.
what the hell is wrong with trying to help owners out and save a few quid if possible
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