sway bar link and bushing replacement

[oz16us]

i'm planning on replacing both the sway bar links and bushings on my ST. Is this doable with only ramps? I do not have an SUV/Truck jack

 

[Markaprice73]

Ramps are fine to give you more working room. IIRC, I did mine without jacking at all. Both front and rear endlinks and bushings. ..Either lift both sides or leave both side on the ground so everything remains straight.

 

[oz16us]

perfect! will take it on this weekend. Great!

 

[05dakotatrac]

Yep no lifting required. Also think about energy suspension bushings and links it really helps body roll

 

[swshawaii]

Yep no lifting required. Also think about energy suspension bushings and links it really helps body roll

Ditto. ES polyurethane much more durable than blue thermoplastic rubber replacements. (Moog, NAPA, Raybestos, etc.)

Front 4WD only. (34mm)
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=4.5155
Front RWD only. (29mm)
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=4.5157

Rear 19mm for 4WD and RWD (19mm)
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=4.5153


http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_a...-brandtextbin=Energy Suspension&node=15684181
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/

 

[oz16us]

i just noticed, I have a 2WD and it looks as though I have sway bar links in the rear as well. Can anyone confirm this? Are these less prone to getting damaged than the fronts? Hopefully, I don't have to jack up the vehicle to get to these either

 

[swshawaii]

Rears wear, but not nearly as often as the fronts. Shake or tap with a hammer to check for any excessive movement.

Replacement (Moog K80788)
http://www.mysporttrac.com/MySportT...nks/RearSwayBarEndlinksReplacementProject.htm

Bushing Repair (Moog K80085)
http://www.mysporttrac.com/MySportTrac/projects/Endlink_Bushings_Replacement _Gen1.pdf

 

[mustang6878]

I did both of mine in less than an hour. Did not use any jacks at all. Moog problem solver parts and a Sawzall to get the old bolts out. An easy fix and it drove like new.

 

[OffTrac]

In two years I've been through two sets of Moog endlink bushings. The Moog bushings at the frame also wallowed out. Maybe it's my use, but I don't think the Moog bushings are very good.

 

[oz16us]

Thanks for the info guys...off trac, what do you mean by bushings at the frame? do you mean by the front sway bar?

 

[OffTrac]

Yeah, the bushings that the sway bar goes through at the frame. After a year it looked worse than the factory one it replaced after eleven years.

 

[swshawaii]

Poly kits for the RWD Sport Trac. (ST not listed on fit guide)

Front (29mm)
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=4.5157

Rear (19mm)
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=4.5153

 

[oz16us]

thanks swshawaii...the fronts just came in today...they're moog brand. I'll definiately look into the rear. Can't wait to get the new vehicle feel

 

[swshawaii]

Sway bar end links and frame bushings are probably the most cost effective handling upgrade.
Very important not to over tighten the Moog front end links. Very common mistake that leads
to bushing failure in a very short time. Torque about 10-12 ft/lbs, just under spark plug tight.

 

[oz16us]

hey swshawaii, I've been looking for 2 Moog brand bushings for the rear (not links)...but can't seem to come up with anything. I only see them in the "energy suspension" kit you posted. Any idea why that is? Trying to stick with one brand

 

[swshawaii]

Rears wear, but not nearly as often as the fronts. Shake or tap with a hammer to check for any excessive movement.

Replacement (Moog K80788)
http://www.mysporttrac.com/MySportT...nks/RearSwayBarEndlinksReplacementProject.htm

Bushing Repair (Moog K80085)
http://www.mysporttrac.com/MySportTrac/projects/Endlink_Bushings_Replacement _Gen1.pdf

One K80085 kit needed for both sides. Re-use top bolts.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1366680,parttype,1000009

 

[oz16us]

One K80085 kit needed for both sides. Re-use top bolts.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1366680,parttype,1000009

actually I was referring to the other rear ones that holds the rear sway bar to the frame

 

[OffTrac]

Sway bar end links and frame bushings are probably the most cost effective handling upgrade.
Very important not to over tighten the Moog front end links. Very common mistake that leads
to bushing failure in a very short time. Torque about 10-12 ft/lbs, just under spark plug tight.

I'm pretty confident that wasn't the reason for my failures.

 

[swshawaii]

actually I was referring to the other rear ones that holds the rear sway bar to the frame

Can't locate Moog 19mm rear sway bar frame bushings separately. Options are Ford replacements or the
ES greasable bushing kit. FYI, the OEM bushings are NOT split and sway bar removal is required to replace.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=310893
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=382847

 

[swshawaii]

I'm pretty confident that wasn't the reason for my failures.

Agree Hugh. Given a choice I always prefer poly over thermoplastic rubber, especially when they are load
bearing such as end link bushings/grommets.

Appears that Moog is aware of the thermoplastic rubber failures and starting to use poly end link bushings.
http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/_pdf_en1/MOOG_PS_Bulletin_213006_Sway_Bar_Link_Eng.pdf