2008 Explorer XLT 4.6L V8 - Broken Sway Bar Link?

[NJFordDude]

I was changing the oil on my Explorer when I noticed that something didn't look right on the driver's side suspension. Looks like the Sway Bar Link is completely missing on the drivers side. I have put a link to pictures of both the drivers side and the passengers side. I am looking for confirmation of what exactly is missing and a rough ball park on how expensive/complicated this will likely be to fix. Also what is the short term impact/risk of driving this thing around town for a few days before I get it into the shop?

Pictures here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/r171h3a9045j9h1/AAAhheNYJOIfX1fU176IqNj_a?dl=0

 

[Craig Jacques]

I was changing the oil on my Explorer when I noticed that something didn't look right on the driver's side suspension. Looks like the Sway Bar Link is completely missing on the drivers side. I have put a link to pictures of both the drivers side and the passengers side. I am looking for confirmation of what exactly is missing and a rough ball park on how expensive/complicated this will likely be to fix. Also what is the short term impact/risk of driving this thing around town for a few days before I get it into the shop?

Pictures here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/r171h3a9045j9h1/AAAhheNYJOIfX1fU176IqNj_a?dl=0

You are correct the away bar link is gone there like 14 bucks

 

[Explorer_PL]

You can get them for even $ 9.99 from autozone. But I would gett Moog for about 15 like Craig said.

If you jack up the car and turn the wheel, you may do it without taking the wheel off in about 25 minutes.

 

[tripplec]

I got a set of Moog for another vehicle (has grease fittings) $24 US each

Well easy to install now that its off.

 

[NJFordDude]

Thanks all. Installation on the drivers side took about 20 minutes. Just prior to installing I looked at the passenger side and in the time between Wednesday when I took the photo and Sunday the top bushing and nut were gone. Just made it a whole lot easier to change that side as well.

 

[thebrakeman]

NJFord Dude,
I've changed these twice on my fronts, and once on the rears. The first time I did the fronts, I had them too tight, and they broke again. Moog replaced them for free under warranty, and technical service told me the correct installation procedure. You only want to tighten the bolt until the center sleeve will no longer rotate by hand, then rotate 1-2 additional revolutions. this will ensure that the system is tight enough, but not so tight that it causes the rod to bend and break in fatigue.

I also recommend doing these on ramps, so that both wheels are at the same level. This way the sway bar is not loaded at all. If you lift up 1 side at a time, when you put it back down, you end up with 1 side tight and the other side loose. The tight side will likely break prematurely.

I've had the 2nd set on the fronts (and the 1st set on the rear) for several years now.

 

[Beachcomber86]

Thanks for all the posts, this is an easy fix. No jack, no ramps, just turned the wheel to one side then the other. Less than an hour, including cleanup!

 

[Gorb]

make sure to check after a couple hundred miles. ive had them pull through the hole after awhile due to over tightening

 

[Beachcomber86]

make sure to check after a couple hundred miles. ive had them pull through the hole after awhile due to over tightening

Thanks for the heads up. I only have 3 threads showing, so hopefully I'm not over tight.