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Sway bar end links.


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I'm getting ready to put 2" spacers in the front of my 87 and want to be prepared going in, Logic would tell me that the new links should be 2" longer to match the lift, but just because logic would dictate doesn't mean that it is correct. In this case I'm dealing with two springs, the sway bar (torsional spring) and the coil at each corner. I am relating this to a set of rear leaf springs where adding 2" of shackle adds 1" of lift. So..... the question is, should I go to a later model Jeep end link that is 1" longer or the F350 rear link that is approx. 2" longer. The stock links appear to be too short at stock height. And just to be clear, I am not looking for the suggestion that I spend a mint on adjustable, quick disconnect links, I'm not going to. Stock style (only longer) is just fine. And I am not looking for speculation, I would like to hear from those that have put this into practice and their results.

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Longer links as in Hornbrod's photo are the best answer. Depending on their cost, if you're on a budget shock stud extenders might do the job for you. They should run about $15 for a pair. Jst find a set with the same thread as the sway bar links.

 

mrg-1290_ml.jpg

 

IIRC, these provide about 1-1/2" of extension.

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Thanks Crash but I am looking for factory style links. Thanks you for the suggestion Eagle, I thought about making these out of a coupling nut and some grade 8 but it looks like an other week point. Hornbrod. how much lift do you have? I'm guessing at least 3". I see you have the relocation mounts for the sway bar that would move the SB down an inch and out an other inch, so do the links need that so as not to interfere with other suspension parts? Do you recall what years that they are from?

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Hornbrod. how much lift do you have? I'm guessing at least 3". ~3"

 

I see you have the relocation mounts for the sway bar that would move the SB down an inch and out an other inch, so do the links need that so as not to interfere with other suspension parts? Yes, provides better clearance from the coils or the Pitman arm. Also restores the sway bar geometry back to OEM specs on a 3" or below lifted XJ/MJ.

 

Do you recall what years that they are from?  http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/moog-k80035

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I just did an approximate 2" lift and put in new stock length links which looked to work fine. Now you guys have me rethinking everything. I guess I am effectively pulling the SB down instead of pushing it up? I seem to recall that I had quite a bit of thread sticking up above the SB so maybe I can stack some spacers under the lower bushing, although it sounds like that probably won't be enough. 

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Longer links as in Hornbrod's photo are the best answer. Depending on their cost, if you're on a budget shock stud extenders might do the job for you. They should run about $15 for a pair. Jst find a set with the same thread as the sway bar links.

 

mrg-1290_ml.jpg

 

IIRC, these provide about 1-1/2" of extension.

This what I did works fine
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  • 3 years later...

My comments arent related to the original post, but I saw where Hornbrod has the sway bar drop brackets. I never knew these existed. Ive been needing some of these for my truck but have had to do without. I unsucessfully tried to make some on my own that were just blocks using longer bolts to bring the bar down, but this created other problems. I didnt realize about the angle of the unibody at that point and that any brackets would have to take that into account. On an 87 4 cyl model, the sway bar is right on the bottom of the radiator. Ive been worried about it hitting and breaking the plastic tank on the bottom, even with longer adjustable sway bar links. Ive since searched them and found Rubicon Express brackets on Amazon and will be orering a set. Though these ones are different than what Hornbrod is using. The ones Ive seen like his are advertised for the rear of a JK. Anyways, Thank you guys for enlightening me and unknowingly solving my problem!

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  • 3 years later...
11 hours ago, Jeepman73 said:

Unfortunately those moog part numbers have changed...it comes up as a shock absorber.

I put the number search in EBay. Listed more than a few. Also, could check as to what Ford Truck PN's, it's for other manufactures.

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Condition:
New
Placement on Vehicle:
Rear
Other Part Number:
FK80035, 265-1457, RK80035, 95069, 45G0248, 18280
Interchange Part Number:
MK80035, 2700-95069, FO-L702, 18446, GK80035
Part Brand:
NAPA
Manufacturer Part #:
265-1457
Stock #:
AA0069
Bin Location:
M30
Interchange Part #:
599.FD8797
Brand:
MOOG
Type:
Suspension, Springs and Related Components
Manufacturer Part Number:
K80035
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  • 1 year later...
1 hour ago, NHMJXJ said:

I need to replace these bushings. Is the sway bar under load, or can I just take the nuts off? Also, should it be on jacks or sitting on the ground?

IMG_20230616_180117099.jpg

IMG_20230616_180121029_HDR.jpg

As long as your parked on flat ground it shouldn’t be under load, the swaybar only goes under load when on uneven surfaces, so if you want to jack if you you’ll have to do so from the middle of the axle and ensure it’s level, on my xj I have quick connects and as long as the ground is somewhat flat they go on and off no problem. 

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