sway bar end links

[swshawaii]

For end links, blue thermoplastic bushings SUCK big time. They just don't hold up regardless of how you use your vehicle, weather, etc.

I really would substitute and use the ES poly bushings if you want durability and longevity. Try installing them without reducing the nipples. May be somewhat difficult getting the nut started because of the added thickness of the bushings and the thick cupped washers but it's been done before.
If you don't succeed you can always return the bushings providing they aren't damaged. Very worthwhile setup that's held up over ten years for me.

 

[glo81]

For end links, blue thermoplastic bushings SUCK big time. They just don't hold up regardless of how you use your vehicle, weather, etc. Just search.

I really would substitute and use the ES poly bushings if you want durability and longevity. Try installing them without reducing the nipples. May be somewhat difficult getting the nut started because of the added thickness of the bushings and the thick cupped washers but it's been done before.
If you don't succeed you can return the bushings providing they aren't damaged. Very worthwhile setup that's held up over ten years for me.

Okay, now you've definitely convinced me to get the ES bushings. I'll also go to Home Depot to look for some of the flat washers you mentioned for a better fit. Hopefully all goes well. I should be getting the new sway bar links this Thursday and hope to install them this weekend.

 

[swshawaii]

You won't regret it although it requires a bit of effort. ES 9.8103 bushings are 1-1/4" OD. Tricky part may be finding the correct 7/16" ID flat washers. IIRC, I had to enlarge the 3/8" holes for the washers that came with the 9.8105 kit that I was using earlier. Of course you can also use larger OD washers providing they have a 7/16" ID. Just be patient and these may be the last front end links you will ever need, and your front end will feel MUCH tighter compared to your old end links "when" they were functioning properly.

Larger pics:

Sway Bar Links

i have installed on my ex the eibach sway bar kit...In the begining of the year i had to replace my sway bar link bushings because the eibach bushings that came with the kit were worn down and the links were loose... As of yesterday i have the same problem and my links are loose again...my ex...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[glo81]

You won't regret it although it requires a bit of effort. ES 9.8103 bushings are 1-1/4" OD. Tricky part may be finding the correct 7/16" ID. IIRC, I had to enlarge the 3/8" holes for the washers that came with the 9.8105 kit that I was using earlier. Of course you can also use larger OD washers providing they have a 7/16" ID. Just be patient and these may be the last front end links you will ever need, and your front end will feel MUCH tighter.

Larger pics:

Sway Bar Links

i have installed on my ex the eibach sway bar kit...In the begining of the year i had to replace my sway bar link bushings because the eibach bushings that came with the kit were worn down and the links were loose... As of yesterday i have the same problem and my links are loose again...my ex...

www.explorerforum.com

Your cut on the ES bushings really looks precise, like you used an actual lathe. I'll have to see what washers are available at HD and if I can't find any with 7/16" ID, I suppose I can use my dremel grinding bit to enlarge the hole. I wonder how long I've been driving around with the missing bushings on the stock sway bar end links (two gone on one side, and three gone on the other). My Explorer has 208k plus miles on it now and I would be happy to see these ES bushings last for the rest of the truck's life.

 

[glo81]

You won't regret it although it requires a bit of effort. ES 9.8103 bushings are 1-1/4" OD. Tricky part may be finding the correct 7/16" ID flat washers. IIRC, I had to enlarge the 3/8" holes for the washers that came with the 9.8105 kit that I was using earlier. Of course you can also use larger OD washers providing they have a 7/16" ID. Just be patient and these may be the last front end links you will ever need, and your front end will feel MUCH tighter compared to your old end links when they were functioning properly.

Larger pics:

Sway Bar Links

i have installed on my ex the eibach sway bar kit...In the begining of the year i had to replace my sway bar link bushings because the eibach bushings that came with the kit were worn down and the links were loose... As of yesterday i have the same problem and my links are loose again...my ex...

www.explorerforum.com

The parts store didn't end up having the ES bushings in stock so I had to order the 9.8103 in red from Amazon. Shaved down the first bushing, now seven more to go. Luckily I found 1-1/4" OD, 7/16" ID flat washers at Lowe's so I don't have to spend time enlarging holes on 3/8" ID washers.

 

[swshawaii]

^ Nice work, and your time is being well spent. Once installed you won't believe the difference 7/16" bolts and poly makes. In your case the difference may even be more dramatic since your end links weren't really functional. Almost ten years later I can't believe more people aren't doing this mod.

I noticed my sway bar links were dangling low and loose, and sure enough, multiple bushings were missing on each side.

 

[glo81]

^ Nice work, and your time is being well spent. Once installed you won't believe the difference 7/16" bolts and poly makes. In your case the difference may even be more dramatic since your end links weren't really functional. Almost ten years later I can't believe more people aren't doing this mod.

Took a bit longer than I thought (removal of the second old end link gave me a bit of trouble), but now I'm done and happy with the results. Thanks, sws, for your help and encouragement. I hope these bushings last as long as yours have. After changing the front upper ball joints last weekend and now the sway bar end links, I hope to not have to do any DIY jobs on my Explorer for a while.