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Shorter End Links (Front)

Big_Pezzy

Well-Known Member
Joined
September 20, 2012
Messages
141
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City, State
San Bernardino CA
Year, Model & Trim Level
2001 Ford Explorer Sport
I am planning on lowering my 01 sport 2 inches all around. TT in the front and blocks in the rear. I have read about using the F-250/Excursion end links for the rear to keep the sway bar at it's original angle. My question is, does anyone have shorter end links in the front or know which ones to use?
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83199

I read this thread but there are no part numbers or dimensions associated with the end links. Anything helps. Thanks in advance
 



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The end links in the front can just be replaced with "universal" Energy Suspension brand end links. I'm not sure if most Autozone stores would stock the longer links, maybe the large stores do.

X~FACTOR said they were 4.5 inch end links, that means the distance from middle to middle between the bushings is 4.5 inches. Probably good for 2-2.5 inch lowering, but you might want/need 5 inch long end links if the 4.5 inch work well with a 2.5 inch lowered suspension. Whatever makes the sway bar ends sit at the same angle as it would at stock height with stock end links, or makes the sway bar and end links fit correctly. You don't want the end links to be too tight or binding because they are forced to be at an angle. You want the sleeve between the bushing washers to be snug, but still turnable with your fingers when the bolt is tightened.
 






Measure twice cut once, I would just cut down a stock set , cutoff wheel , hacksaw, saws all , its just a tube and long bolt
 






Tricky part here is that ES recommends the front sway bar eyelets parallel to the LCA. Looking at Explorer front
sway bars, the eyelets are angled down. I was blowing out blue Moog bushings quickly with my 2.75" front drop
and cut down the center sleeves the same distance. Same issue. My final solution was using the larger ES 7/16"
I.D. bushings (9.8103) using the Moog K7275 hardware at stock length. Four years without a failure. Link below.

https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2791778&postcount=10
Make sure stabilizer bar end eyelet (B) is parallel with the control arm (C). Many times they are not. You may be required to use a slightly longer or shorter sleeve length than the original. Measure sleeve length (A) and compare to the chart to find the correct set.

http://www.energysuspension.com/universal-products/sway-bar-end-links-set-sizing-charts.html

endlinkdiagram.jpg
DSC01767-1.jpg
 












Prothane is ok, they are a major brand like Energy Suspension, but $20+ and then shipping is a lot for an end link kit. They cost less in-store at Autozone.

The info in that older thread might not be the best to go by, based on swshawaii's comments above. I'd say you might want to detatch the end links and measure the distance between the sway bar eyelet and the lower control arm hole the endlink goes through (when the sway bar end is parallel to the LCA) and see what measurement that gives you. The larger 7/16 ES bushings with stock length Moog endlinks as mentioned above might be the way to go rather than just buying 4.5 or 5 inch endlinks.
 
























Well I usually order from summit once I've accumulated $100 worth of items so I get free shipping (I'm also buying new shocks). So stock length might be alright? Also, polyurethane bushing are the best quality correct? I know moog also has rubber and a thermoplastic
 






See second link in post #7 . After lowering assume you are looking for the best handling, correct?
Polyurethane end links have very little give and thus give the best overall performance boost.

TYPES OF END LINKS

HOW-TO MEASURE

If you plan on using the shorter rear sway bar end links all bushings must be removed.
Here's the rear poly kit if you have the stock 19mm rear sway bar.

EDIT- Yes, Moog's poly end links would be my choice for bolt-on's. Reviews have been excellent so far. Measure first?

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/4.5153

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3015693&postcount=29
 













If you do opt for those, here they are for $8.63 shipped, on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/231668571240?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I somehow broke one of those, or it came apart. I purchased a single unit to replace it from that seller. Should be here shortly. I did contact the seller, gave them a link to the Moog K700542 webpage, and asked them if that was the item, and they replied it was. I can PM you when I get it to confirm that what they are selling is actually the correct item. PM me if you want confirmation.
 






Prothane knockoff.

Nice catch :thumbsup: I didn't dig into the details, just noticed the matching part number. I would contact the seller before purchase.
 






I'm in no rush to get these, but thanks for the heads up on that sweet deal :D
 












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