So I broke one front end link while installing a coilover, and the other one's rubber grommet is torn so it's probably not long for this world.

Doing some cursory reading, and it looks like heim joints are no-nos for endlinks, especially up front. It looks like my options are this:
1) replace with OE links
2) replace with powergrid links... or the TSW ones?

I'd just as soon replace with the OEM, since they'd run a bit cheaper (hopefully). I'm just wondering if preload is actually a real concern and if I'd be better off going with one of the two above aftermarket solutions?

I'm probably about 1.5" lower than stock, probably won't be staying this low for long however.

 

I'd say go OE on this. A lot of people told me that they run and continue to run the factory links, even on aftermarkets bars. That, and I've heard some negative things about someone's aftermarket endlinks. I believe it was the Alta links that a few people had issues with.

 

I went with the "powergrid" end links. I felt it was a good idea after talking to "those in the know" to change to adjustable end links with the coilover and rear sway bar set up that I'm running. I wanted to be able to set the preload on my sway bars ! I was very lucky to find a "barely" used set at a good price but I still would have bought a set of adjustable end links. From my research, I found that the "Powergrid" design was the way to go !

 

I've had the TSW end links on the car since September. After 6 DE weekends they're still fine.

You must go with adjustable end links, otherwise you can't properly corner weight the car.

Alan

 

I went with the Alta's...and have went through a few heims. If I were to do it all over again...Powergrid's it is! (they have a wider articulation)....

 

Yeah, I'm not sure how soon I'll be corner weighting the car, if ever..

*ducks*

 

After talking at length with Way From "Way motor works" as well as others, I think being able to adjust the preload of the swaybars can help a great deal with the way the car handles !

 

The ones from TSW are great.

Got them are are extremely happy with them. Very little noise.

 

Thanks for the responses everyone.

Think I'll call and see how much the OEs are, and make the decision sometime in the next month or two.

I'm just glad it was a front end link. Still not too shabby handling-wise.

 

Not adjust. Eliminate

 

TSW = Powergrid.
Same things.
Jim

 

Oop's, that's what I ment to say !

 

 

That is correct - our supplier is Powergrid.

We've tried destroying them - they've been on our track cars for 2+ years now with nary a sound.

 

What are the effects of sway bar endlinks on a daily driven car? Anything out of the ordinary?

 

You wouldn't be able to notice any difference I'm sure. Unless for some reason you have done major suspension mods that may have created a lot of sway bar preload, but again, tha's pretty unlikely.

 

Thanks for the info.

Now another question. My car is street driven & tracked 4 times a year.

My suspension is stock with a 19mm rear bar & camber plates installed. What benefit if any would I get by using the TSW/PG end links with my current set up?

 

I would say the same. Really, unless the car is so lowered that you need to realign the sway bars, or that you have corner balanced the car and don't plan on ever having passengers or cargo, then there is really no need for adjustable end links.

 

That is sort of what I thought, but wasn't really sure. You've saved me some money. Thanks for that & your answer.

 

TSW for over a year with multiple track and AX's days, no problems, no noise.

 

Not exactly... There is a considerable difference based on our datalogging! We picked up 0.5 seconds on a 1.5 mile course merely by swapping on the Powergrid endlinks (front and rear) and neutralizing the preload. This was on a car with Bilstein SP's, H&R springs, and a 19mm H&R rear swaybar - not on coilovers. This was also while done while monitoring ambient temps, tarmac temps, tire temps and pressures to ensure a valid test.

The car was a lot more settled in fast sweepers and in slaloms it was even more pronounced. If your competitive and want to wring out a bit of extra time, these DO make a difference.

Additionally, the OEM endlinks will eventually fail if you push really hard... Even on the street - there are normally at least a few failures in the rear each year at MOTD!

 

The setup you tested with is way different then what the poster has, and so is the use of his car.
If he had posted that his car was set up like the one you tested and that he was a serious track guy then my answer would have reflected that. But for this poster, and others that street drive their car 90% of the time and have little to no suspension mods, I see absolutely no use for adjustable drop links.

 

Sometimes you just have to lie to people to make them happy....

 

Ah, true... I totally agree.

 

ive got a related question/ hijack,
I have the alta end links on my car with k-sport coilovers, as spring is coming i want to lower my car a whole bunch, what is the right way to figure out how long my endlinks should be?