3 Things You NEED To Know About MFactory LSD/2018 Ford Focus ST

The traction problem has always been discussed among car enthusiasts. And there are normally 3 solutions for that problem. The easiest one is to buy better tires with softer compound, that will improve grip. You can also stiffen suspension components, buy adding braces and high performance coil over suspension. The last one is to upgrade the factory open differential with a limited slip differential (LSD). The issue is that none of these options will solve the problem entirely and only a combination of all three will give a maximum result. And yet the third solution has the best return for your investment. Why? Because an LSD doesn't wear like a performance tire will, and also doesn't compromise your ride quality the way a stiffer suspension will. The only main problem everyone seems to complain about is the cost of the LSD itself and of the labor that goes into it. The Answer to that is simple: LSD is a lifetime upgrade that will serve you years to come. There is another problem though, at least when it comes to my Ford Focus ST, not many places are willing to install this upgrade, with that said, there are places that can do the installation. All it takes is your determination to do it.
#MFactory
#Wavetrac
#FocusST
Time Codes:
0:00 What is Open Differential?
1:18 What is Limited Slip Differential?
2:07 How an LSD feels on the road?
6:40 What are the downfalls of MFactory LSD?
7:40 What makes the Wavetrac LSD stand out?
8:23 Should you buy the MFactory LSD?
8:54 Final Conclusion
Find out more about how an LSD works as well as how are the Wavetrac Differentials built:
Torsen Differential, How it works ?: • Torsen Differential, H...
Rotary Corvette gets a Wavetrac HELICAL Differential. It will outlive me: • Rotary Corvette gets a...
Torsen LSD - Torque Transfer - Explained: • Torsen LSD - Torque Tr...
MFactory Official product description: www.teammfactory.com/catalog/m...

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

To be completely fair, you can solve the traction issue at some degree using all sorts of bracings, stiffer engine mounts and so on. What makes an LSD better is it's versatility, because you increase traction without sacrificing comfort and factory suspension settings, and if you are still not happy than add bracing and motor mounts).

[@deborinquen13]

I know the video is a few years old but I am grateful to have found it. It’s brief and to the point. My 2013 has every brace I could find for it. They do well but I still have torque steer. I am about to drop a big turbo. With the power increase I am expecting torque steer to be a beast so I have been thinking about adding an LSD. This video has given me a better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of LSD on the ST. Thank you.

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

Yes, go for it! Although I had it for a few years at this point I'm still amazed at how well the front end grips in corners and wet conditions even with stock power.

[@prestonfields6642]

Most beautiful color in Ford history glad I have it aswell

[@georgevigil7001]

I have a Fiesta ST and had planned to get the WAVETRAC LSD. This video provided great information. Thanks!

[@ranimbill9331]

100 percent true information keep it going champ

[@ryanjdigiorgio]

Super good video, thank you so much for all the info/feedback.

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

Thank you, I am glad you found it helpful!

[@Boosted_collectibles]

Great video!

[@vitalinegruta249]

Definitely a worthy upgrade!

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

Totally agree!

[@lorannik]

Now that you installed the LSD, pair it with a solid swaybar to keep it planted to the ground.

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

I have been thinking about an upgraded swaybar for a while for sure.

[@laundrieshanging9077]

@@ArtDrivenRoads pierce 6 point for me +1

[@kvnndvn]

Awesome.

[@jamers99]

I shipped my 2018 ST Tranny to Mountune and had them install the Quaife LSD. That way I know it was done right.

[@charlesjames1442]

The 2013 FoST-2 has had the Quaife for almost 7 years. Torque steer went away and hid. On twisty roads it devours the curves and asks for more.

[@oceanhome2023]

LSD in Focus ST is a must for rain and snow !

[@silversentrav]

Looks like the roads I used to take going up to WCU, This is my next upgrade for the ST when we get back to the states. I did a Cusco Type RS 1.5 in my Soarer and it transformed the car. I am hoping it will do the same with my ST. Only draw back was extreme tire wear after i installed it on the Soarer. I expect it to be less on the ST

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

Yes, It does make a big difference on ST for sure. One important thing to remember, like I mentioned in the video is that the MFactory LSD WON'T transfer torque if you are off throttle. In other words if you are going up hill, the grip is phenomenal, if downhill - you can easily understeer if not careful. I went with MFactory because it costs less, otherwise I would have chosen Wavetrac.

[@silversentrav]

@@ArtDrivenRoads Good to know , it’s the same with the Cusco. My ST has the MRX kit on it , so anything to help with traction will be great.

[@MandusahRamirez]

My Daily is a FWD Ford Fusion Platinum 2.0TSEB with a Solid Rear Motor Mount & Front & Rear Stabilizer Bars and My Car feels like is has one! It’s Weird because it Rotates and never Understeers or have tire squeal in corners. From a Stop They used to Torque steer like crazy. Now it just Hooks!

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

That is an interesting perspective, this is generally what people do to get rid of torque steer and understeer without interfering with transmission. And it looks like the rear sway bar and fusion's longer wheel base compared to focus helps it rotate. At least for me the biggest difference comes when you drive with average tire on a tight road, when you load up the front end the LSD seems to transfer a lot of torque to the outer wheel which get's you thru the corner with way more confidence compared to the standard brake vectoring.

[@robertrosser4820]

Hey Guy are you in Western NC? Need to find the place you installed your LSD? Thank you for any help

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

To install it in the same place I did, you'll have to go East to Fayetteville area. Go to the "FST Carolina" Facebook page and search "mfactory". Open the first post from feb10 and you'll find all the details you need!

[@boost351]

Thanks for sharing your video, could you fit THIS LSD to a standard ford focus 2.0 tdci?

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

If you have a MK3 focus, From what I could find it seems, the 2.0 tdci focus has a very similar transmission to ST version because of the torque rating, which means that it should fit the "ST250 MMT6 Helical LSD MF-TRS-05STA" I have in mine. "ST180 IB6 Helical LSD Part No.: MF-TRS-05IB6" might also fit in your particular case. Call one of your local MFactory dealers, they do the installation and could also advise you on the exact differential you need. If you have a MK2 tdci you might be better off with a quaife LSD "QUALSD4"

[@boost351]

@@ArtDrivenRoads thanks for the quick response 👍👍 I've mapped the ecu from 140hp to 180hp but what I find is when I floor it it has too much torque and it feels like pulls to one side. No only that it has developed a whine under load that goes away when I let off the accerator pedal. So i'm going to strip down the gearbox and i thought why not try and fit an LSD while I have it apart.

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

@@boost351 yes, that is torque steer. It's not problem if you have no more than 200 lb/ft of torque, but as you go up an LSD is a must! Glad, I was able to help!

[@boost351]

@@ArtDrivenRoads thanks man. Would you know who I could go through to sourse a LSD? Currently live in Spain.

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

@@boost351 It can be shipped to Spain for about 130$ "www.teammfactory.com/catalog/mfactory/helical-lsd/Ford" or try to find your nearest dealer who sells them, France might be the closest to you "www.teammfactory.com/dealers"

[@robertramirez7828]

For drag racing would you recommend M factory LSD or the Locker.

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

I never done drag racing in my ST. with that being said, any LSD over the factory open diff is going to be better, now they all have very strong internals (if something breaks, it will not be the LSD). If you are only planing on doing a few runs here and there, with low budget and without much prep the MFactory is more than enough. If you plan on competing professionally, MFactory is still a good option considering that you've already spent a lot of money on tires, clutch, new synchros, engine mounts, cooling and so on. Again, aftermarket LSDs are very strong, but if you have the money, buy the best you can find.

[@robertramirez7828]

@@ArtDrivenRoads yeah car is making almost 500 horse and it just broke the trans so going through a rebuild and gathering parts right now

[@negrutadenis3921]

It's about Focus ST, not about camera focus))))))

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

The picture still has to be clean and crisp, gone are the days when you could post a mediocre footage without context and get many views, haha

[@RobbieE56]

How much did you end up paying for the install, or did you do any/all of the work yourself?

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

I paid ~ 700$ for the actual install by a Ford technician. And I had a few friends taking the transmission out of the car

[@RobbieE56]

@@ArtDrivenRoads Ok so you took the transmission out then paid that for the install on just the transmission? That gives me a better idea on what I can expect. Thank you!

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

@@RobbieE56 yes, correct.

[@wickedsatan1]

Lsd benefits drag cars? What your opinion?

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

Yes, absolutely! You may have different gearing for hard core drag racing, but an LSD is crucial for road course or straight acceleration.

[@amabilenicholas]

Does it affect MPG at all?

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

Haven't noticed any significant difference

[@namethatcorn2879]

Does this work on the rs?

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

It depends what year RS model, generally speaking RS is AWD so the power is sent to back as needed, to minimize understeer and improve traction. Also, the 2018 model came standard with LSD. Nevertheless, there is a quaife LSD for RS on front axle. The MFactory LSD is produced for focus ST only.

[@pkris2237]

What about price?

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

The LSD itself can cost you between 700 and 1100$. The cost of labor can be tricky because it's not a service that can be done at any transmission shop but generally it is around 1000$ + don't forget about shims, new transmission and brake fluid.

[@zzzz4439]

I would just stick to a better tire...

[@ArtDrivenRoads]

it really depends on what area do you live in, I've noticed that whenever I had 60F and up the tires would warm up well and traction was really good, but every time the winter would come I would have serious issues gaining traction even in dry conditions.

[@jonah9165]

Focus st torque vectoring will eat up those better, and usually more expensive tires.

[@lancefawcett1809]

Once you've driven a car with a diff in it, you'll hate driving an open differential on a whole new level. My 190bhp corolla with eibach springs, bilsteins, and big rear anti roll bar handles so much better than my wifes 300bhp TT .it drives the front of the car round corners so much better.