FalcX coilovers bolt into a BA or BF Falcon (2002–2008) where the factory shocks were, with no cutting or modifying. Two things catch people out on sedans: the factory rear coil spring comes out and stays out, and the rear lower mount only goes into the knuckle one way. Set the height on every corner before you touch the damping, let the car settle, then get a wheel alignment. The full step-by-step is on our install and setup page; this guide covers what's specific to the BA and BF.
What fits your BA or BF?
| Body style | Front | Rear | What to order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan, including XR6, XR6 Turbo, XR8 and FPV | Coilover | Coilover (replaces the shock and the separate factory spring) | BA–BF coilovers: full set, front pair or rear pair |
| Wagon | Coilover | Leaf springs: no rear coilover | BA–BF front pair |
| Ute | Coilover | Leaf springs: no rear coilover | BA–BF front pair |
The rear on its own is the BA–FGX rear coilovers, one part for BA, BF, FG and FGX sedans. Non-factory or already-modified suspension? Text us first. Everything else is in the Falcon fitment guide.
What tools do you need?
- Jack and stands, or a hoist, and wheel chocks.
- Socket set and breaker bar.
- Torque wrench, and the factory workshop manual for your Falcon for the torque figures.
- C-spanners to suit the adjuster rings.
- Spring compressors, only if you're stripping the old struts.
- Tape measure, and something to write the measurements on.
Before the car goes up, measure from the hub centre to the guard at each corner and write it down. That's your starting point when you set the height. Give yourself plenty of time the first time.
Why does the BA–BF rear spring come out?
The factory BA–BF sedan rear has a separate shock and coil spring. The FalcX rear is a true coilover, with its own spring on the threaded body, so it replaces both. Lower the arm until the factory spring is no longer under load, lift the spring out, and fit the coilover where the shock was. The factory spring does not go back in alongside it. One owner's review of the BA–BF kit puts it simply: "just remember to take out the rear original springs we found."
If the spring is still tight with the arm all the way down, stop and use spring compressors. Coil springs store a lot of energy.
Which way does the rear lower mount go in?
The lower mount on the rear coilover has a machined clearance so it slides into the rear knuckle, and it only goes in one way. If it won't seat, don't force it: turn it 180 degrees and it will go in, and the bolt goes through cleanly. Still stuck? Text a photo to 0449 887 291.
How do you set the ride height on a BA or BF?
- Lower the car onto its wheels and roll it back and forth a few metres to settle it.
- Measure hub centre to guard at each corner, not to the ground, so tyre pressure doesn't throw you off.
- Raise the corner you want to change and support it, so its weight is off the coilover.
- Loosen the lock ring with a C-spanner, turn the adjuster ring, then lock the rings against each other.
- Lower, roll, measure again. Small changes at a time.
Not sure which way, or how far your kit can go? Text us before you go very low. More detail is in the ride height steps.
Where do you start with the damping?
Only once the height is right. Start soft and write down the setting you started on, keep both sides of each axle the same, and go firmer a step at a time on roads you know. We don't publish a starting click setting yet, because there's no one setting that suits every car. Text us your kit, your Falcon and how you drive it and we'll give you a starting point. Don't use settings from a different coilover. See the damping steps.
What do you check after fitting?
- Every bolt you touched is torqued, and the adjuster rings are locked.
- Take a short, slow drive and listen for knocks or rubbing.
- Re-check the wheel nuts, top-mount nuts and adjuster rings after that first drive, and again after the first few days.
- Drive for about a week so the car settles, re-check the height, then get a wheel alignment. Changing ride height changes camber and toe. Our alignment after lowering guide covers what to ask for.
Doing the front arms at the same time?
If the ball joints or bushes are tired, it can make sense to replace the arms while the front is apart, then do one alignment at the end. The AU and BA–BF front upper control arms and the BA–BF front lower control arm are listed for the BA and BF; see all BA–BF Falcon control arms. Our ball joint or control arm guide helps you decide.
Common questions
Does the factory rear spring go back in?
No. The FalcX rear is a true coilover and replaces the factory rear shock and the separate factory spring.
Can I fit just the rear pair to my BA or BF?
Yes, on a sedan. The BA–FGX rear coilovers are sold on their own for people who already have fronts or want to do the back first.
Do XR6, XR6 Turbo, XR8 and FPV BA–BFs take the same kit?
Yes. They're built on the same BA–BF Falcon with the same suspension mounting, so they take the kit for their body style.
Do I need spring compressors?
Only if you're stripping the old struts, or if a factory rear spring is still tight with the arm all the way down. Never undo the centre nut on top of a factory strut while its spring is compressed.
Can a workshop fit them?
Yes. Any suspension or alignment shop can fit them.
Not sure about something on your car? Text 0449 887 291 with your kit details and a photo.
