On a Mini that has not been lowered, what effect is there from either lenthening or shortening end links?

 

You could actually tilt the car if you do not adjust properly.

 

what I am asking is if you equally lenthen or shorten the end links will that effect the stiffness or effectiveness of the sway bar?

 

No. The torque transmitted to the sway bar will be transmitted thru a 3" long end link just as easily as a 6" long end link. You must try to duplicate the factory relationships between the swaybar, endlinks and control arms, however. This, so all the right things move in the right direction at the right time.

Endlinks should be as vertical as possible and the lever arm portion of the swaybar - the ends that attach to the endlinks should be parallel or horizontal with the road - as a rule of thumb. Always, always check the stock relationships first and try to duplicate these.

If you are installing a larger bar (duh), the end links should be changed out for a stronger design; more torque is being transmitted thru the endlinks with a larger bar. Most stock end links cannot handle the extra load.

I prefer tie rod type endlinks with hime joints. These can be adjusted slightly loose while the car is sitting level. I set my car up this way so the sway bar is not loading up everytime the suspension hits a small bump or undulation in the road. The bar begins to work when I begin to turn. EDIT - this was only possible with the type of attachment designed for a particular car...may not be possible with the Mini.

Hope this helps.


Ciao,

Michael

 

Yes this helps alot, Thanks