Which Sway-Bar End-Links?

[Cranmaro99]

Hey guys,

I plan on replacing all four, front and back, sway bar endlinks on my AWD explorer. None of them have completely failed or started making noises, but just by looking at them they look totally shot. And considering I've refreshed the front end and will be doing all new shocks at the same time, why not?

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But my question is should I just get motorcraft replacements or MOOG? I just really dont want to get poly end-links due to grease maintenance, etc. I'm trying to keep this car as easy and maint. free as possible as I have another car that I race and the entire suspension is aftermarket and for racing purposes, so I spend a lot of time greasing and tinkering with it, and dont want to do that with this car.

Any recommendations? I'll probably be doing the sway bar bushings themselves, too, while I'm at it.

 

[swshawaii]

Moog is considered the aftermarket standard by many.
They use 7/16" hardware compared to others at 3/8".
The bushings are thermoplastic rubber, don't overtighten.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...tpyPDw&usg=AFQjCNHXt8MbOPjgzXZQ83ffyQY9FZ0B7Q

 

[Cranmaro99]

Ok, looks like I'll just go with the MOOGs. Would you get MOOG swaybar bushings as well as their end links?

 

[swshawaii]

The Moog sway bar frame bushings are good replacements. If you aren't sure
of the diameter, use a caliper or large adjustable crescent wrench to measure.
If using the K80085 rear kit, I burned the old bushings out instead of chiseling.

 

[Cranmaro99]

Ok thanks I didn't know the same year Explorers came with different diameter swaybar frame bushings. If I told you/posted that my car is a 2001 AWD 5.0 Explorer would that tell me the correct diameter bushing I'd need?

 

[swshawaii]

The 34mm (K80082) "should" be correct for your AWD. Never hurts to measure.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1372429,parttype,7624

 

[Cranmaro99]

The 34mm (K80082) "should" be correct for your AWD. Never hurts to measure.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1372429,parttype,7624

Thanks buddy, I appreciate all the help.

I forgot to add that I have the rear ARC air suspension on my Explorer. Not sure if this changes the rear sway bar at all (as I know the leaf springs are a bit different for ARC suspensions.)

 

[cloud2or3]

always happy with MOOG...

 

[Cranmaro99]

always happy with MOOG...

Yeah I'm happy with my Moog upper and lower balljoints. Looks like I'll be going with them for the endlinks as well, thanks!