Everything you need for a solid rs1 diff swap

If you're planning an rs1 diff swap, you've probably already realized that the Focus RS Mk1 is a bit of a special beast when it comes to the front end. It's one of those projects that sounds relatively straightforward on paper—swapping one lump of metal for another—but anyone who's spent a Saturday afternoon covered in gearbox oil will tell you there's a bit more to it than that. Whether you're trying to freshen up a tired RS1 or you're doing the classic move of putting that legendary Quaife unit into an ST170, getting the setup right is the difference between a car that handles like it's on rails and one that just feels "off." ...

February 7, 2026 · 7 min · Geory Slocum