Racing Beat sells thicker end links for the front sway bar. At $48 it's a nice kit that includes everything you need--including drill bit. However it is not adjustable to eliminate preload.

High quality kevlar-lined 1/2" heim joints can be adjusted to eliminate preload. While you only need one, two sets cost around $60.

Why do you want adjustable end links? Any change in your ride height (different springs, coil-overs, etc.) will change how long the end links should be to eliminate preload. Even a small 8 lb. preload is ~1% of total corner weight. That may not be significant enough to matter to you, but then again it might. If you're considering beefier end links anyway, why not spend an extra $10 to get that adjustability?
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Rohypnol Rehab Forums

 

Good point. Where can you get the Kevlar ones? How about a link? Thanks...

 

Hey PUR NRG, did you ever get the racing beat springs and sway bars? I was wondering how those hold up on the 8.

 

Do you suppose it's reasonable to believe that Racing Beat's swaybar links are designed to eliminate preload if you're using their springs?

 

You'd have to ask them. Either there is only preload w/stock springs, only preload w/their springs, or they compromised and split the difference.

Stownz, I only purchased the RB sway bars. I have JIC coilovers installed.

Omicron, I purchased the heim joints through a local shop (Custom Alignment) so unfortunately no link.

I also purchased heim joints for the rear sway bar, which needed it more than the front.
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SIMMERING

 

Could you please expand on the preloading. What does that mean?

I'm thinking of the Mazdaspeed swaybars...


Regards, Magnus

 

Sway bars act as a lever to transmit force from one side to the other. With the car resting on all four wheels, connect one of the two end links. When installing the other end link, if you have to push the sway bar arm up or down in order to make the end link fit then you are preloading the sway bar. Does that make sense?

Different factors like uneven sway bar arms, corner-weighting or slightly unequal spring lengths can cause preload even when both end links are identical.

Something else that's also desirable is to position the end links so they are as verticle as possible. This is the best geometry to transmit mechanical forces from side to side. Besides eliminating preload, adjustable end links also allow you to fiddle with their length so they are in that verticle position.
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Volcano Vaporizer

 

When I put on my Tanabe Sways front and rear I think the rear was pretty clost to vertical. The front may have been at like 25-30 degrees???