Front stabilizer links looks identical but has different part numbers for Drivers and passengers side

[mikepier]

I have a 2015 Explorer XLT, recently changed the front stabilizer links, and noticed the drivers side and passengers side are different part numbers, yet when I compare side by side with the new ones I bought , they look identical. Anyone know what the differences are?

 

[Steve8316]

Without seeing them, or their PNs - no. And your post isn't clear. Are you saying the new PNs aren't the same as the old ones? Or that the old L isn't the same as the old R? Or the new L isn't the same as the new R? Are any of them marked "L" or "R" or "Up" or "Top" or "Front"...?

 

[syncceduppp]

Without seeing them, or their PNs - no. And your post isn't clear. Are you saying the new PNs aren't the same as the old ones? Or that the old L isn't the same as the old R? Or the new L isn't the same as the new R? Are any of them marked "L" or "R" or "Up" or "Top" or "Front"...?

On Gen 5 Explorers and PIUs, here are the Ford Motorcraft part numbers for the stabilizer links:

• Front Right: MEF350
• Front Left: MEF351
• Rear Right: MEF157
• Rear Left: MEF158

I guess that the original poster is questioning why there are separate part numbers for right and left sides, despite them both appearing to be identical. I just checked on Rockauto, and many of my family's other vehicles do not have different right/left parts.

 

[Steve8316]

...appearing to be identical. I just checked and Rockauto...

Did you look at any of the genuine Ford/MC replacements? It seems obvious to me what's different.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[syncceduppp]

It seems obvious to me what's different.

Well, would you please share your discovery?

 

[mikepier]

On Gen 5 Explorers and PIUs, here are the Ford Motorcraft part numbers for the stabilizer links:

• Front Right: MEF350
• Front Left: MEF351
• Rear Right: MEF157
• Rear Left: MEF158

I guess that the original poster is questioning why there are separate part numbers for right and left sides, despite them both appearing to be identical. I just checked and Rockauto, and many of my family's other vehicles do not have different right/left parts.

So here is what happened. A few days ago I was replacing the strut assemblies, and realized the front links were shot, so I did not have time to order from Rock Auto, so I went to the local Auto Zone. The guy behind the counter gave me 2 boxes, but I never realized they were 2 different part numbers.

I get home, and I just grabbed one of the boxes, and put in a link. It was getting late, so I finished strut only one side, and decided to the other side first thing next day. I actually drove the car that night to get dinner , and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
The next day is when I realized they were 2 different parts, and I actually put the wrong part in. ( I put the passenger side link on drivers side).
I corrected it, but when I compared both drivers and passengers links side by side, could not tell what was different.

 

[mikepier]

Did you look at any of the genuine Ford/MC replacements? It seems obvious to me what's different.

Pardon Our Interruption...

That is the rear link.

 

[Steve8316]

Well, would you please share your discovery?

Did you look at the link? There's a plastic stone shield around the lower boot that faces forward.

That is the rear link.

Yes, since you ignored my first reply to you, I was replying to syncceduppp, as that quote indicates. IDK about the zone links - I'd never buy anything there no matter what.