99 rwd XLT 5.0 rear sway bar bushing size? Sway bar link size after a 2-2.5in drop?

[ChillFordGuy]

Hello, currently ordering the last remaining parts I need to freshen up the suspension on my 99 xlt explorer. I was able to easily find the measurement of the front sway bar but I get mixed answer about the one for the rear. One guy with an identical truck had this to say years ago
“Measured my current bar with machinist calipers @ .758

If you use drop down menu from Energy Suspension says that 98 up has 5\8" bar (.625)”

In the end I believe he ended up buying an or replacement sway bar for the rear. I’m hoping someone can point me in the right direction with the bushing size as I don’t have my truck with me for a few more days.

I also wanted to know, if buying shorter sway bar links for the front is necessary with a 2/2.5in drop? I’ve been doing tons of reading and it seems like some people mention getting slightly shorter links while others don’t mention them at all. I’d appreciate some input.

 

[wollimann]

Our V6 has a 3/4" / 19mm rear sway bar, years ago i bought this part from energy suspension.
For a drop i would use shorter front links or shorten the old ones. Rear links did not have to be shorter.

 

[ChillFordGuy]

Our V6 has a 3/4" / 19mm rear sway bar, years ago i bought this part from energy suspension.
For a drop i would use shorter front links or shorten the old ones. Rear links did not have to be shorter.

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Thanks for the pics! Gonna go ahead and order my parts, hopefully will have a pretty nice before & after post in a week or so

 

[donalds]

The ones that I used

 

[ChillFordGuy]

The ones that I used

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Thanks! Super helpful

 

[97Sandbox]

I'm still using stock length sway bar links in the front. If you go much shorter, the sway bar will get dangerously close to the tie rods unless you flip the tie rods at the knuckle.

I would recommend running the shorter links from an F250 too keep your rear sway bar in a better position and prevent it from tipping down and towards your shocks. I used Moog K80268.