My local dealer said I should not be replacing the link (not sure what it is called as, the short metal part that connects to the wheel assembly) with an after-market part as it does not have bushings on it and the part will not be as strong as the OEM). As a novice I find it difficult to determine what parts to choose for my 97 5.0 at Rock auto...anyone have advice as to what to choose. Is the blue bushing more-resilient or stronger then the original?
Is there a post like this for replacing all the bushings on the rear of the truck as I'm looking to do that also?
The originals on mine didn't look especially (more) durable compared to anything other hardened bolt with same diameter. Get the same length and rubber bushings (black) again instead of urethane unless you want a tighter sway control which some people don't. I have never done a direct /appropriate test comparison but I suspect urethane (often blue, red, and other colors) would last longer.
A few thoughts...
part # 45G0022 as pictured looks to have either a zinc plated bolt or is not hardened. Probably the latter. If the former that might be good (my original link bolt rusted through causing failure) but if the latter, not so good. Rubber bushings. Doesn't seem to be priced higher for any particularly good reason.
# 5451022 looks good unless you want rubber bushings
#MCS18555 no detail and it might be almost twice as expensive due to being only one link per part #. See no reason to pick this one unless you can find more info.
# 5451022B Raybestos' cheaper kit, probably not hardened bolts and rubber bushings seem to be pictured although the description reads "blue" but I think the description is wrong at the price.
# MK7275 single link kit (buy two), looks like urethane bushings as pictured and probably non-hardened bolt at this price.
The most expensive at $24, # 5451022 looks best. More info, major brand, hardened bolt spec but do you want urethane bushings?
The rest look about the same except for urethane vs rubber bushings, what brand do you trust most? The mevotech MK7275 (two of them) looks like the best value if you want urethane bushings.
As for the sway bar bushings, same situation picking softer shorter lived black rubber or stiffer blue urethane (Moog is calling them "thermoplastic"). Think I'd pick the Raybestos rubber or urethane.