Have any of you guys had this happen? My wifes '98 EB both sides are gone!?
Should I replace the entire sway bar or can I get aftermarket end links?

 

I had the same happen to my 97. I just went down to the local auto parts store and picked up the new end links. It was like $16 total. Took me about 1/2 hour to change both sides.

 

It's a common problem. Fortunately I haven't had mine go yet on my '00.

 

I bought the Sway bar bushing replacement kit (4-5145) from Energy Susp. It should be here today.
It comes with new end links. I let you guys know how the install goes. $26 from Summit

 

Man what a pain getting the broken end links off!
A 15 min job took 2 hours. I did not get the entire bushing kit on but the end links are on and that is good enough for now.
I was wondering if the reason why mine broke was because of the extra weight of a grill guard?

 

The guard has nothing to do with it. My Expy is stock and I had one broken and one entirely missing.

For a while I would get a thud sound if I turned left into a driveway where the apron rises just a little.

While in for my 60K service I asked them to look at the front end thinking it was ball joints.

I've also seen this written about quite often on other Ford websites.

Hope this helps---Bob

 

My passenger side link was missing. I replaced both sides – the dealership said this is a common problem. I will probably check them with every oil change!





https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=1142

 

pics for the un-educated on what to watch for?

 

I accidentally bumped my sway bar when changing the oil and it moved. I would say, look at the end of the bar itself. If it does not connect to anything and approx 3-4 inches below it is a black plastic (yes plastic) piece of end link…you have a broken end link. I think I have a picture but I don’t know how to upload it.

 

G,
I did add 3 photos to a gallery.
Broken End-links
I hope it helps

 

I noticed that the passenger side one was missing on my '98 when changing the oil; talked to the parts department at a local dealer. They said that there were a lot of problems with Explorers and Expeditions, and that the new ones were redesigned. They recommeded replacing both with the new ones.

At any rate, it's been 1 year since I replaced them, and I haven't had any problems.

 

Thanks
Greg

 

would i be correct in assuming that this is generally a 4WD problem. Does the 2WD have the same sway bar?

 

Just looked at my 98 exp and they are still there.I have 56k on mine.I do have a clunking noise in the front somewhere in the torsion bar area and in the rear somewhere.That bugs me since i can't track it down.I also have a rubbing noise when turning the wheels like a dry ball joint.Why the hell do they use ungreasable ball joints??Well I know why but at lease put plugs in them so if you wanted zerks, you could at least put them in.

 

I noticed both end links missing on the front sway bar and wondered what the heck happened. It looked like they were missing for awhile because the mount holes in the A-arms and sway bar were pretty rusty. It kind of explained why the ride seemed to be getting pretty mushy.
Accidently came across this thread and ordered the Energy Suspension bushing kit. World of difference!