So, you're thinking about slapping a wide body kit on your Ford Focus ST MK3, huh? Awesome! You've come to the right place. Let's dive deep into everything you need to know to make this happen. We're talking style, performance, and turning heads wherever you go. Buckle up, because it's gonna be a fun ride!

What's the Deal with Wide Body Kits?

Okay, first things first, let's break down what a wide body kit actually is and why you might want one. Simply put, a wide body kit adds extra width to your car's body, usually through fender flares or complete fender replacements.

Why Go Wide?

• Aggressive Looks: Let's be real, guys, the main reason most of us want a wide body kit is for that uber-aggressive stance. It transforms your Focus ST from a sporty hatch into a road-hugging beast. The wider fenders allow you to run wider wheels and tires, pushing the wheels out to the edge of the fenders for a flush, slammed look. The visual impact is undeniable, making your car stand out from the crowd and commanding attention wherever you go. This bold aesthetic is perfect for car enthusiasts who want to make a statement and express their individual style.
• Improved Handling: Beyond the looks, there's a performance benefit too. Wider tires mean more grip. More grip means better handling, especially in corners. Upgrading to a wide body kit allows you to maximize your tire size, providing increased stability and control during spirited driving. This enhanced grip translates to improved acceleration, braking, and cornering performance, making your Focus ST a true track weapon. Whether you're carving up mountain roads or tearing around a race track, the added grip from wider tires will give you a competitive edge and elevate your driving experience.
• More Stance Options: A wide body kit opens up a whole new world of wheel and stance possibilities. You're no longer limited by the stock fender dimensions, allowing you to experiment with aggressive wheel offsets and tire sizes to achieve the perfect fitment. This newfound freedom allows you to fine-tune your car's appearance and create a truly unique and personalized look. Whether you prefer a slammed, hellaflush stance or a more functional track-oriented setup, a wide body kit provides the flexibility to dial in your desired aesthetic and performance characteristics.

Finding the Right Kit for Your MK3

Alright, so you're sold on the wide body life. Now, where do you find the right kit for your Focus ST MK3? Not all kits are created equal, so you gotta do your homework. Here's what to look for:

Material Matters

• Fiberglass: This is the most common and affordable option. Fiberglass kits are relatively easy to repair but can be brittle and prone to cracking if they take a beating. They often require more prep work before painting to achieve a smooth and flawless finish. If you're on a budget and don't mind putting in some extra effort, fiberglass can be a viable option.
• Polyurethane: More flexible and durable than fiberglass, polyurethane kits are better at absorbing impacts without cracking. They generally require less prep work than fiberglass and offer a more consistent finish. Polyurethane is a good choice if you're looking for a balance of affordability and durability, and it's a popular option for street cars that may encounter occasional bumps and scrapes.
• Carbon Fiber: The holy grail of body kit materials! Carbon fiber is incredibly strong and lightweight, offering the ultimate in performance and aesthetics. However, carbon fiber kits are the most expensive option and may require specialized installation techniques. If you're building a show car or a high-performance track machine, carbon fiber can be worth the investment for its weight savings and stunning appearance.

Fit and Finish

• Reputation is Key: Before you click that "buy" button, do some digging online. Check out forums, social media groups, and customer reviews to see what other Focus ST owners are saying about the kit you're considering. A reputable brand with positive feedback is a good sign that the kit will fit well and be of decent quality. Pay attention to comments about fitment issues, material quality, and customer service to make an informed decision.
• Test Fit is a Must: Once you receive your kit, don't just rush into painting it. Do a test fit first! Hold the pieces up to your car and see how they line up. Are there any major gaps or misalignments? Addressing these issues before paint will save you a lot of headaches down the road. It's much easier to make adjustments and modifications to the raw kit than it is to fix problems after it's been painted.
• Professional Installation: Unless you're a seasoned bodywork pro, seriously consider having a professional install your wide body kit. A good body shop will have the experience and tools to ensure a perfect fit and finish. They can also handle any necessary modifications or repairs to ensure that the kit integrates seamlessly with your car's body. While professional installation will add to the overall cost, it's often worth it to avoid potential headaches and ensure a high-quality result.

Installation: Getting Your Hands Dirty

So, you've got your kit, and you're ready to transform your Focus ST. Here's a general overview of the installation process. Keep in mind, this is a simplified guide, and professional installation is always recommended!

Prep Work

• Say Goodbye to Your Fenders: The first step is usually cutting or removing your existing fenders to make room for the wide body flares. This is a critical step that requires precision and attention to detail. Use masking tape to mark the cut lines and take your time to avoid damaging the underlying body panels. A rotary tool or cutting wheel can be used to make clean and accurate cuts.
• Test Fit, Again: Before you start gluing or bolting anything down, do another test fit! Make sure the flares line up properly with the cut fender edges and that there are no major gaps or misalignments. This is your last chance to make any necessary adjustments before committing to the installation.
• Surface Prep is Key: Clean the surfaces where the flares will be attached with a wax and grease remover. This will ensure proper adhesion of the adhesive or bonding agent. You may also need to sand the surfaces to create a rough texture for better adhesion. A clean and properly prepared surface is essential for a strong and durable bond.

Installation Time

• Adhesive or Bolts?: Most wide body kits can be installed using either automotive-grade adhesive or rivets/bolts. Adhesive provides a clean, seamless look, while rivets/bolts offer a more rugged, motorsport-inspired appearance. The choice is ultimately up to your personal preference and the design of the kit. If using adhesive, apply it evenly to the mating surfaces and clamp the flares in place until the adhesive cures. If using rivets/bolts, drill pilot holes and secure the flares to the fenders.
• Fill and Sand: Once the flares are securely attached, you'll need to fill any gaps or imperfections with body filler. Sand the filler smooth to create a seamless transition between the flares and the original body panels. This step requires patience and attention to detail to achieve a professional-looking result.
• Prime and Paint: After the bodywork is complete, apply a primer coat to the entire car, including the wide body flares. This will help the paint adhere properly and create a uniform finish. Then, apply several coats of your chosen paint color, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. A clear coat will protect the paint and give it a glossy shine.

Wheels and Tires: Filling Those Arches

With your wide body kit installed, you'll need a new set of wheels and tires to fill those widened arches. This is where things get fun!

Size Matters

• Measure, Measure, Measure: Before you start shopping for wheels and tires, take some precise measurements of your available fender clearance. Use a ruler or measuring tape to determine the maximum width and diameter that will fit comfortably inside the arches without rubbing. Consider the suspension travel and any potential clearance issues under full compression.
• Offset is Key: Wheel offset is the distance between the wheel's mounting surface and its centerline. A lower offset will push the wheel out further, while a higher offset will tuck it in closer to the suspension. You'll need to choose an offset that positions the wheels perfectly within the wide body flares. Experiment with different offsets and use online calculators to visualize the fitment before making a purchase.
• Tire Choice: Wider tires are a must to take advantage of the added fender clearance. Choose a tire size that provides adequate grip and handling without sacrificing ride quality or causing rubbing issues. Consider the tire's tread pattern, sidewall stiffness, and overall diameter to ensure optimal performance and aesthetics. Performance tires with a low profile are a popular choice for wide body cars, as they offer excellent grip and a sporty look.

Stance is Everything

• Flush Fitment: The goal is to achieve a flush fitment, where the wheels and tires sit perfectly even with the edge of the fenders. This requires careful planning and attention to detail, but the results are well worth the effort. A flush fitment creates a clean, aggressive look that enhances the overall appearance of your car.
• Camber Adjustment: Depending on your desired stance, you may need to adjust the camber of your suspension. Camber is the angle of the wheels relative to the vertical axis. Negative camber (where the top of the wheel is tilted inward) can improve handling and allow for more aggressive wheel fitment, but it can also increase tire wear. Experiment with different camber settings to find the optimal balance between performance and aesthetics.
• Rolling Fenders: Even with a wide body kit, you may still need to roll your fenders to prevent tire rubbing. Rolling fenders involves using a specialized tool to bend the inner lip of the fender upward, creating more clearance for the tires. This is a relatively simple procedure, but it should be done carefully to avoid damaging the paint or bodywork.

Suspension: Getting Low

To really complete the wide body look, you'll probably want to lower your Focus ST. Lowering the car not only improves its appearance but also enhances handling and reduces body roll.

Options, Options, Options

• Lowering Springs: The most affordable option, lowering springs replace your stock springs with shorter, stiffer ones. This lowers the car's ride height and improves handling, but it can also make the ride harsher. Lowering springs are a good choice if you're on a budget and don't mind sacrificing some ride comfort.
• Coilovers: Coilovers are adjustable suspension units that allow you to fine-tune the ride height and damping. This gives you greater control over the car's handling and allows you to dial in the perfect stance. Coilovers are a more expensive option than lowering springs, but they offer superior performance and adjustability.
• Air Suspension: Air suspension uses air-filled bags instead of springs to support the car's weight. This allows you to adjust the ride height on the fly, from slammed to stock height, at the touch of a button. Air suspension is the most expensive option, but it offers the ultimate in versatility and adjustability. It's a popular choice for show cars and those who want to be able to change their car's stance depending on the situation.

Dialing It In

• Alignment is Key: After lowering your car, it's essential to get a proper wheel alignment. Lowering the car changes the suspension geometry, which can negatively affect handling and tire wear. A professional alignment will ensure that your wheels are properly aligned and that your car handles as it should.
• Corner Balancing: For optimal performance, consider corner balancing your car. Corner balancing involves adjusting the ride height of each individual corner of the car to achieve a balanced weight distribution. This can improve handling and stability, especially on the track. Corner balancing requires specialized equipment and expertise, so it's best left to a professional.
• Adjustable Components: To fine-tune your suspension even further, consider upgrading to adjustable control arms, sway bar end links, and other suspension components. These components allow you to adjust the camber, caster, and toe of your suspension, giving you greater control over the car's handling characteristics.

Making it Your Own

At the end of the day, slapping a wide body kit on your Focus ST MK3 is all about making it your own. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles, colors, and modifications to create a car that reflects your personal taste. Whether you're going for a track-inspired look or a slammed show car, the possibilities are endless.