Any issues with stock swaybar drop links holding up under competition? Is there any benefit other than strength? I notice most aftermarket end links have threaded rod ends. Worth $120-$150?

 

I don't think they're necessary and they're incredibly noisy. So, save your $ for something else.

 

I've snapped a rear swaybar link while autocrossing

Either upgrade to the beefier ones or carry a spare stock link

 

We have at least 4 MINIs doing autocross each month over about a year now and none have broken sway bar drop links.

However whenever you take your car to autocross or track you should be prepared for wear and tear on your car.

From-
http://www.webbmotorsports.com/suspension.php

Webb Motorsports Swaybar Droplinks
These are the finest drop links on the market. I use Aurora rod ends in combination with a turned billet aluminum gun drilled drop link. This is the lightest and strongest unit on the market. These are only available through Webb Motorsports! $155 for a set


Swaybar Drop Links
These rear swaybar drop links include heim joint ends that are adjustable to set preload. They are also quite a bit sturdier than the factory links. Easy to install, they also look great!
Price: $119

I might treat my MCS to some Webb droplinks for christmas!

 

I'd just carry a stock spare... all heim joints loosen up over time and rattle - especially ones without grease fittings. We used heims extensively on steering (Y-steering and over the knuckle) and suspension components (like trackbars and end-links) on our Jeep rockcrawlers and they work fantastic - but they loosen up over time and rattle like the dickens...

 

what abotu the alta endlinks? any good?

 

altas are fine, only issue is they rattle after a bit of time. Im changing from alta to powergrid as soon as I get the time to do it. Ill be selling the old alta rears if youre interested

 

but if get them off you, woulndt the endlinks immediately start rattling after i get them installed?

 

if you keep them tight they dont rattle