I kown this has been posted once before somewhere in the archives but I looked and got different answers. Some say its personal prefrence but...do you need to replace the sway bar links front and rear due to a 3/2 drop. Actually Belltech's 2/2... I have also heard 2 degree shims on some L owners rides and some not......does everybody get the "bad vibration" due to new angle created. Is this extra suspension parts required....
I do tow a 23' offshore boat so attention to detail is important.
THANKS L OWNERS.....Rich

 

Yes, change your links. That is the only way to keep the geometry correct.

 

Is the only way to do this by cutting and welding them back together.....Aren't there any aftermarket places?????

 

You can get front swaybar endlinks at Pep Boys. I cut, sleeved, and welded mine for the rear.

 

99Bliss,

read this thread:
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...threadid=73772


dannabbit Tim ya beat me agin....JR

 

LOL, the Wabbit is quick!

JR, I'm going to the dyno tomorrow. Gonna try to figure out how the Wabbit can do those 1.20 sixty foots!

Tim

 

Coool Tim,

be sure and post those numbers, me wants to see!!!!

 

I'm doing it as per the instructions of Mike Troyer. He wants a baseline to work off of when he reburns my chip. I'll post the numbers if they're good, if not good. . . maybe!

Tim

 

Hotchkis has the rear endlinks but wouldn't sell them to me because I didn't buy their swaybars. So-Cal Speedshop has adjustable rear endlinks. I've been banned from touching any tool that can cut, drill, pull, nail, or (heaven forbid) weld so I have to get a set when my leafs and coils come in.

Adjustable Rear Endlinks

You want to shorten the endlinks by however much is needed to keep the sway bars parallel to the frame. I don't know him personally but a user named 'WrongdayJ' has posted lots of stuff about this topic and if you search on his name, you'll get lots of good info.

The front endlinks are pretty cheap and available at auto stores so if the front drops more/less than advertised or settles, you can just get some new ones. The rear enlinks are harder to come by and cutting/welding the rear endlinks too short makes for some brutal insults so adjustable rear endlinks are safer.

 

Does anyone know how much the rear endlinks from so-cal are costing??thanks.

 

approx $65 shipped



Bob

 

I was expecting for it to be more. phew.........

 

Bob,
Spill the beans on that rear locator/ link peeking out and some better pics.

 

First of all. . .nice links, Bob!! Ford should have done 'em like that!

To answer the original question of this thread, yes. When ever you alter the ride height (up or down) you have to correct the length of the sway bar end-links by the exact amount you changed the height by. Measure all four corners of the vehicle before and after the change, but make sure the suspension has settled a bit after the change before you bust out the tape measure. Spike_Engineering suggested measuring from the center of the wheel straight up to the fender well lip. This is a good technique. Once you have the change amount, simply buy new front links at any auto parts store that are shorter/longer by the amount you got from your measurements. The rears are not as easy. They must be made by either cutting/sleeving/re-welding like Chickenears did, or get the adjustable kind like Speedin_Bob. Both ways have their merits, and both will enable you to feel the **incredible** difference.
If possible, drive the vehicle before and after you install the links. Then be sure and post your results (with pics if possible). You won't be sorry.

Hope this info helps,

 

Thanks for the detailed info. and the pictures....It helped me out alot in figuring out what need to be done and where to get the parts. From one fellow L owner to another...