Took my truck into Ford a while ago for 100K maintenance. Didn't end up doing any of it since they wanted a ridiculous amount. I noticed my truck was making a popping noise and they told me it was the sway bar end links. I thought it was ball joints, but it wasn't. Anyways I am wondering how hard it is to do them yourself and what parts you recommend I get? I was thinking about getting the tough country ones.


EDIT: tough country are for lifted trucks so nevermind that one...maybe Mevotech?

 

I used the moog ones, not sure if they make them for your year though, but energy suspension is also another popular brand. And it takes all of 5-10 minutes to swap them out. Took me longer to find a socket to hold both sides at once than to swap them, probably a sign I need to organize my tools a little better haha.

 

I have an 04 also and just replaced mine a couple weeks ago with Moogs. I don't remember what size socket/wrench you'll need but they weren't too bad to replace. Just jack the front up and support it with jack stands. Loosen the bottom nut first then go to the top nut. This was the hardest part on mine. This stud is tapered and mine was tighter than the hinges of hell. After beating on each one with a hammer I tried using a pickle fork and ended up ripping the stud out of the sway bar link. I soaked the studs with PB Blaster and let them sit for 30 mins and gave them a few good whacks with the hammer and they flew right out.

Ever since I've replaced them my trucks felt like new. It was well worth it.

 

I replaced mine and it really is easy. You don't even need to jack the truck up but that makes it much easier. I couldn't get the top out either and had to drill both of them out. I used a saw to cut the top and then a standard drill and bit. Even with my problem it was still easy!! I'm by no means a mechanic!!

 

Thanks guys! I guess I will do them myself...what kit do you guys recommend? I just don't want to replace it and then find out it is still doing it because I didn't replace a bushing or something.

2004 F-150 FX4 4WD by the way

OH and 2 inch LEVEL up front if that matters

 

This?

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...2973&ppt=C0106

 

That looks like the right one. I had a popping noise also and ended up replacing a bunch of stuff on the front end before I found it. Everything under there is somewhat easy to replace, lower ball joints included!! I had never done any of that before and between this forum and YouTube I was able to do it without many problems!! When you get it done you will feel better about yourself and you will know you saved a bunch of money on labor!!

 

Yea I know it isn't the ball joints because Ford checked those, they made it pretty clear that it was the sway bar links...now its just a matter of finding which replacement parts I want to get. I would like to get these parts ordered in the next 24 hours, or if I can get them at O'Reilly. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know!

Do I need to get just the bushings, or should I get the whole kit, etc?

 

So, I am not sure what the best thing to get is. I noticed there is a Moog's kit on Oreilly and it basically replaces everything. Then there are other kits that just replace the bushings...what should I get? What is a decent price?

 

Get the whole Moog kit from O'Reilly.

MOOG Part # K80279 Problem Solver
Front; 4WD; Incl. powdered-metal gusher bearing to allow grease to penetrate bearing surfaces

$20.99 (Rock Auto)

 

Little different spin: If it's just the end link bushing get the energy suspension GMC K2500 Suburban Sway Bar Link Bushing. The ID is 0.44 in but you can use a slow speed drill and a half inch drill bit to make them work. They last a hell of a lot longer than rubber bushings. The best part <$15!!!!!

 

Energy suspension ones get my vote.....

 

Alright so I have heard bad things about the Moog's not lasting long...what do you guys think is the best way to go? I guess it is either replace with stock motorcraft or get the energy suspension bushings

 

I'm thinking of ordering the Energy Suspension ones....seems like the way to go from all the forums I have read. #4.5190

I feel like I should replace the link itself though too...are there any links I can buy that would work with the energy suspension bushings?

Here is a picture of my stock link and bushings by the way:

 

Check the links to see if they need replaced: Remove the sway bar from the links by removing the top not and bushing from both sides. A ratcheting box wrench works best. Rotate the sway bay up and out of the way. Rotate the sway bay link in the lower steering arm. If it moves freely and smoothly then your links are good. If the ball can be moved side-to-side...banging around...then replace it.

I wouldn't worry too much about using a drill to make the energy bushings a little wider. We're only talking about 6/100 of an inch. If it troubles you that much just use some grease and jam them on. The worst thing about not widening the hole is reducing the life of the bushing; but we're only talking about $15!!!