Sway bar end links

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dudez_link

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I did a search but couldnt find much on the actual end links. I need both driver's side end links replaced (front and back). I'd like to do it myself thinking it doesnt seem that difficult, but after hearing the auto shop say they needed an hour and a half for EACH, maybe I should reconsider. How hard are these things to replace? It seems like a simple bolt on replacement - is it not? Anything I should know before attempting this (other parts to move/loosen, things not to do, etc)? Thanks!
 
bolt on and off... your "autoshop" is a scam. 30-50 from any autoparts store... (im sure cheaper online)
 
You have to use a wrench on the nut and a socket on the end of the stud to hold the stud in place or the stud will just spin and the nut will not loosen. It takes about 15-20 minutes per link.

If you are going to replace them, do it right and replace all of them. There are better quality links (Moog brand) but the link below is all 4 for $60

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-2005-Thunderbird-2000-2006-Lincoln-LS-Front-Rear-Sway-Bar-Links-Set-New-/271000950426?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f18ea569a&vxp=mtr
 
hite337 said:
You have to use a wrench on the nut and a socket on the end of the stud to hold the stud in place or the stud will just spin and the nut will not loosen. It takes about 15-20 minutes per link.

If you are going to replace them, do it right and replace all of them. There are better quality links (Moog brand) but the link below is all 4 for $60

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-2005-Thunderbird-2000-2006-Lincoln-LS-Front-Rear-Sway-Bar-Links-Set-New-/271000950426?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f18ea569a&vxp=mtr
Click to expand...

Just as Hite says. Although if they are rusted and corroded, I have found the best way to get them off is to loosen the nut enough to get a saw blade behind the nut and cut them off. Saves a bunch of time and frustration.
 
It is pretty simple stuff just like everyone has stated. Bout 20 minutes per link.

So easy a caveman could do it.
 
You might have good luck with a penetrating oil like PB Blaster if you can pre-soak the nut the night before you work on it. If your car isn't that rusty underneath then I wouldn't worry about it.

But yeah, I would just replace them in sets. Replace all the rears at once and/or the fronts at once. Since you got one of each I would just do like Hite said and replace them all.
 
hite337 said:
You have to use a wrench on the nut and a socket on the end of the stud to hold the stud in place or the stud will just spin and the nut will not loosen. It takes about 15-20 minutes per link.

If you are going to replace them, do it right and replace all of them. There are better quality links (Moog brand) but the link below is all 4 for $60

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-2005-Thunderbird-2000-2006-Lincoln-LS-Front-Rear-Sway-Bar-Links-Set-New-/271000950426?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f18ea569a&vxp=mtr
Click to expand...
What's the difference? What makes the Moog better?
 
Elemino said:
What's the difference? What makes the Moog better?
Click to expand...

it has electrolytes

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTqu1f9v-L1dQEJXvcvwmiMEQL_Q5xCgLj4hTEzJR_rBhRbu48prQ.png
 
Whoa, you like money too? We should totally hang out... huhuhuhuh
 
Elemino said:
What's the difference? What makes the Moog better?
Click to expand...

They have grease fittings for lubrication as needed and they are made stronger because they are thicker. Moog are higher quality than OEM parts.
 
Last edited:
Moog has been around a long time as a premier suspension parts supplier. All of their stuff is top grade.
As noted, they are thicker, stronger, greasable, and the boots are thicker.
 
Or you can always make your own with some Heims and threaded rod. Make them look real nice by putting some shrink-tube over the rods and using stainless steel Heims!

KS
 
It took me 2 hours to do mine, but I also did tie rod end links and tie rods. We were also drinking and talking, so it could've been done quicker.
 
Easy way took me 10 min for each one. Use vice grips on the ball and socket with either ratchet or impact. on the nut.
 
dudez_link said:
I did a search but couldnt find much on the actual end links. I need both driver's side end links replaced (front and back). I'd like to do it myself thinking it doesnt seem that difficult, but after hearing the auto shop say they needed an hour and a half for EACH, maybe I should reconsider. How hard are these things to replace? It seems like a simple bolt on replacement - is it not? Anything I should know before attempting this (other parts to move/loosen, things not to do, etc)? Thanks!
Click to expand...

You are right, real simple to replace, front & rear. Wrench & maybe a small hammer to help them fall off. Did mine front & rear in 40 min.
 
it doesnt take long to replace. i did both sides on my 04 LS and replaced them with the MOOG brand. the old links are toothpicks compared to the new ones. better quality. you can buy the moog from advance auto parts online and just search up their coupon codes and just pick them up at the store. got a better deal than paying full price. make sure you spray some wd - 40 on the nuts ...some of them are tight if they havent been replaced before
 
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