sway bar links do what, exactly?

[XLoudFN97X]

OK so im replacing the front sway bar bushings because my sway bar was shifting side to side (apparent grease marks on the bar at the mounting bushings), just about an 1/8" or so each direction. But! while I'm under here sweatin' what do these links do? Should I upgrade the links because the Energy Suspension part looks much nicer and Ford recalled my P.O.S.s cuz they snap. They come in different lengths, do I need any particular length or does each length have a different response? I've searched folks using the 4.5" length, is that correct? Is this a tough job for a mildly mechanically inclined lament and can I find a tutorial anywhere? Also will replacing these links on the front have much of an effect on the increasing body roll I'm experiencing or is that just my shocks gone bad? Thanks for ALL your help,
~stu

 

[IAmTodd]

The endlinks are a very important part of the sway bar system. The ES kit should've come with new endlinks, did it not? If you do decide to replace them, make sure to not over tighten them.

 

[etc]

The links, connect the swaybar to the control arm. This transfers the weight being put on your left side to the right side(In a right turn, weight get's thrown outside, to the left). This gives you traction(on the righ)/stability(less body roll). if you didn't have the swaybar/links.

 

[XLoudFN97X]

well i did not get the EE swaybar system- I will be eventually but right now im just replacing the bushings which are wearing out and not securing the bar to the control arm very well. it got me wondering should i replace the (faulty by design) links as well and i guess what i was asking is whats with the different length links? what length will i need for the front sway system and can a different length give a different driving response or will a different length not even work? i take it upgrading them will be beneficial against body roll?

 

[IAmTodd]

Yes, upgrade them. I see no benifit of changing lengths. Might be come if you were lowered/lifted, but stock height would do either way.

 

[XLoudFN97X]

thanks guys. i found a couple of threads on sway bar link lengths, and it looks like the shorter links provide less travel on a lowered X (which is a good thing) but at stock ride height the shorter link can cause cause problems with the steering assembly regarding Newton's Law of Conservation of Mass. Stock ride height requires a 4.5" Link (the measurement is the distance between the inner bushings not from tip to tip). Off the top of your head, anyone know the diameter of that front bar? I wanna say 1-3/8" but I'm not sure. Boy I hope this remedy helps- I got cutoff the other day and in the jerk of the defense maneuver it felt like the body rolled about 30 degrees! I'll update =)
~stu

 

[CDW6212R]

Stu, get a 98+ anti sway bar, as they are solid. The bar size was about 34mm. I bought an Energy Suspension kit(black), and changed only the bar bushings. The factory endlinks are as good because they are a solid piece, with very solid bushings. They are far harder than rubber. The endlinks should be changed for climates where they could freeze. They are likely to break then.
Try to do the work without lifting the truck. Good luck,

 

[CDW6212R]

If you don't have an EE rear bar yet, search for the one that is for sale used. It will make far more improvement than the front upgrades.