e99 Front Sway Bar Link Length
#2
09-27-2014, 11:06 AM
UPDATE
I have removed the links and the link brackets from the frame. I have access to both the "Z" shaped mounting brackets and the "pillow" shaped brackets, which I think are a Ford late99 and up update. I am going to replace the links as the bushings are worn. The holes for mounting both styles of brackets match up. Any thoughts on which set up I should go with?
Thanks,
Mark
Thanks,
Mark
#3
09-27-2014, 11:44 AM
OK here I go again with another update. I feel like I'm talking to myself here and I usually only do that when I'm riding around in my truck...
1) e99 link bracket to frame. Original seems to have been made of plain old steel formed into a "z", which brings the link mounting bolt down below the frame.
2) Updated part for "z" shaped bracket made of forged steel in same shape.
3) Later change in design by Ford makes smaller, forged "pillow" shaped bracket that sits inside of frame with two mounting bolts instead of three. Probably cheaper to make, weighs less and uses less shelf space. This change will require a longer link and brings the bushing dangerously close to the exhaust system so a heat shielding update is implemented somewhere down the line. Oh yea, one more thing, bracket needs to be loosened, if not removed, to change link due to proximity to starter.
I am thinking stick with original set up since the bracket is off, I have new forged one in hand, there is no heat shield needed for the bushings, any future changes will not require upper bracket removal and keeping stock parts makes for easier identification of part for repair/replace in the future.
1) e99 link bracket to frame. Original seems to have been made of plain old steel formed into a "z", which brings the link mounting bolt down below the frame.
2) Updated part for "z" shaped bracket made of forged steel in same shape.
3) Later change in design by Ford makes smaller, forged "pillow" shaped bracket that sits inside of frame with two mounting bolts instead of three. Probably cheaper to make, weighs less and uses less shelf space. This change will require a longer link and brings the bushing dangerously close to the exhaust system so a heat shielding update is implemented somewhere down the line. Oh yea, one more thing, bracket needs to be loosened, if not removed, to change link due to proximity to starter.
I am thinking stick with original set up since the bracket is off, I have new forged one in hand, there is no heat shield needed for the bushings, any future changes will not require upper bracket removal and keeping stock parts makes for easier identification of part for repair/replace in the future.
#4
09-27-2014, 11:52 AM
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09-27-2014, 03:32 PM
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09-27-2014, 07:21 PM
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#9
09-28-2014, 08:46 AM
I bought new links from my local Ford dealer who was open yesterday. They only sell the 12" link nowdays. He said I can bring back no problem if I don't like. New links are pretty awesome, they even have ball joints in the ends. Guy gave me a deal at $80 each plus tax. The one for the right side comes with heat shield in place, both have stud bolts in top hole, no washers or second bolt. I could not get pillow block to go into place with link already attached, it seems like the side bolt hole in the frame from the old style bracket needs to be enlarged to accommodate the new bolt and that it bolts through the frame and gets a nut out there. I found what I believe are 8 1/2" links on E-Bay for $32 delivered for both and ordered them. I installed new, old style brackets and affixed the old 12" links until the new ones arrive. The ends of the sway bar hang a little low but it seems to drive OK. The klunk I had on the right side has now moved to the left so I believe I am on track to eliminate that klunk. Old bushings do show some wear.
#10
09-28-2014, 10:36 AM
Wrap Up
Direction changed; Mission accomplished; Lessons learned.
New style mounting brackets bolt right in where old style did. Bolt in top link of awesome new Ford link fits through hole in bracket and the frame rail where upper bolt from old style bracket went and nut goes on outside of frame. Bolts from old style bracket fit new style, no changes needed there. Link passed by frame rail a little too closely for me so I inserted thick washer in top end between link and bracket, thinner one in bottom end. Link ends are wider on the new style so a new bolt is needed there. Old ones were in bad shape anyway.
Next time I need to clean the bigger stones up from the driveway before I start as they poked right through the cardboard I laid out.
New style mounting brackets bolt right in where old style did. Bolt in top link of awesome new Ford link fits through hole in bracket and the frame rail where upper bolt from old style bracket went and nut goes on outside of frame. Bolts from old style bracket fit new style, no changes needed there. Link passed by frame rail a little too closely for me so I inserted thick washer in top end between link and bracket, thinner one in bottom end. Link ends are wider on the new style so a new bolt is needed there. Old ones were in bad shape anyway.
Next time I need to clean the bigger stones up from the driveway before I start as they poked right through the cardboard I laid out.
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