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View Full Version : Front sway bar end links


scippy
10-19-2009, 07:34 PM
I'm about ready to swap out new ones, is my only choice OEM replacements?

Many here on the board voiced they (OEM) are inferior and don't last long.
Any other choices?

Are they wrapped around the sway bar and held by 2 long threaded bolts?
fastblackmerc
10-19-2009, 07:37 PM
The bushing you are talking about aren't end links. Your talking about the center bushings. There are greaseable ones available.

No other choices for the end links I believe.

My end links have lasted almost 65k miles so far. Most of those miles with the Addco sway bar installed.
Marauderjack
10-20-2009, 03:25 AM
Mine have lasted 175K miles with the Addco bar with no problems to my knowledge??:shake:

I remember they looked pretty puny when I installed the new bar......but they seem to work OK!!:beer:
FordNut
10-20-2009, 03:44 AM
The front end links are kind of like tie rod ends. They should last a long long time, but I had to replace mine because the boots got torn up. Check your steering lock-to-lock to make sure the ends of the sway bar and the brake caliper brackets don't make contact. Of course that applies to aftermarket brakes and sway bars, the OEM should be fine.
rayjay
10-20-2009, 03:52 AM
Hmmm, dealer said mine are gone too. I told him next spring. ES Suspension doesn't make any?
fastblackmerc
10-20-2009, 04:15 AM
Hmmm, dealer said mine are gone too. I told him next spring. ES Suspension doesn't make any?

I've searched and couldn't find any aftermarket suppliers.
FordNut
10-20-2009, 04:33 AM
They're nothing like customary end links. They have no flexible rubber or poly parts (other than the boots). They are solidly connected with something like small ball joints or tie rod ends. One end is about 90 degrees, the other end more like 45 degrees. They're about 4" long and have a slight bend to them. Not likely to ever be re-designed by aftermarket but probably will be duplicated. Not very expensive from Ford.
Krytin
10-20-2009, 07:03 AM
I'm working on a more robust replacement and have found a supplier that makes all of the parts required. I just need an OEm part for size/measurement to order up the right parts. Unfortunately I threw out the worn ones I replaced. I just haven't worked up the energy to jack up the front end and remove one to measure!
scippy
10-20-2009, 08:16 AM
I didn't know the front sway bar end links were incased in a boot.
Does anybody have a pic? You guys just saved me from focusing
in on the wrong part.