When lifting when does the sway bar links need to be replaced?

[adyaro77]

Okay so about a month ago I installed 2 inch spacers on the front and added third leafs to the back. Normally I change out the coilovers and shocks, but this time I just wanted a firmer suspension and not such a horrible rake with the new leafs.

Well couple days ago I avoided an accident and literally destroyed the right side of my front suspension. I have decided to go with new coilovers and upper control arms. This time I'm going to go to 2.5 in.

When talking to the shop the question came up about purchasing aftermarket sway bar links. The highest I have ever lifted any of my trucks is 2 inches. It has never come up before. Does anybody have the expertise in this? I would just like a second opinion. The guy that does the work for me is fantastic, but he's known to go over board and he admits it. He always wants to go above and beyond which I don't mind, but in this case I can't find the part other than what's on American Truck. I believe it is from Supreme suspension.
The part looks almost identical to what I have now.

So for a 2.5" lift is it a good idea to replace? and if so, could somebody recommend a brand?

Thanks in advance.

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[arma]

I recently replaced the end links on my 2.5" level kit with Mevotech brand from Rock Auto, although not because they needed to be. I made the mistake of separating the seal on the upper boot on one of my end links on my install, and changed both sides out as a precaution. The new end links are slightly thicker, and are also grease-able which is a nice bonus if you do your own maintenance.

Honestly, the factory ones are fine, and shouldn't be an issue. I've had trucks with varying levels of lift over the years, and have never touched the end links. Don't worry about it.

 

[adyaro77]

I recently replaced the end links on my 2.5" level kit with Mevotech brand from Rock Auto, although not because they needed to be. I made the mistake of separating the seal on the upper boot on one of my end links on my install, and changed both sides out as a precaution. The new end links are slightly thicker, and are also grease-able which is a nice bonus if you do your own maintenance.

Honestly, the factory ones are fine, and shouldn't be an issue. I've had trucks with varying levels of lift over the years, and have never touched the end links. Don't worry about it.

Thanks! I appreciate the response. Yes one is damaged so that started the conversation. I will look into those. Fan of grease-able fittings.

 

[arma]

Thanks! I appreciate the response. Yes one is damaged so that started the conversation. I will look into those. Fan of grease-able fittings.

I was wondering if one was damaged. Yeah the pair I got from Rock Auto ran me $100 CAD shipped to my front door. If you're in the States, they're cheap, maybe $30 a side USD. Install is easy, took me maybe 45 minutes total. Just a heads up, the Mevotech ones I got say they come pre-greased, although when mine showed up, the joint seemed quite stiff and barely greased compared to factory. I added about 5 pumps of grease to each joint and that seemed to help.

 

[Aonarch]

No you are fine. People make the mistake of using power tools on the sway bar end link nut, destroying the joint in the process.

 

[adyaro77]

I was wondering if one was damaged. Yeah the pair I got from Rock Auto ran me $100 CAD shipped to my front door. If you're in the States, they're cheap, maybe $30 a side USD. Install is easy, took me maybe 45 minutes total. Just a heads up, the Mevotech ones I got say they come pre-greased, although when mine showed up, the joint seemed quite stiff and barely greased compared to factory. I added about 5 pumps of grease to each joint and that seemed to help.

Yes Rock auto has the best price. These are hard to find. American Truck showed them in stock, but the price was 56 for one. .. so was O'Reilly's. Rock was like 27 each. Thanks again. OEM was ridiculous. I'll let the guy know at the shop about the greese. Unfortunately I wont have my Bilstein's for 2-3 weeks. Have plenty of time.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Okay so about a month ago I installed 2 inch spacers on the front and added third leafs to the back. Normally I change out the coilovers and shocks, but this time I just wanted a firmer suspension and not such a horrible rake with the new leafs.

Well couple days ago I avoided an accident and literally destroyed the right side of my front suspension. I have decided to go with new coilovers and upper control arms. This time I'm going to go to 2.5 in.

When talking to the shop the question came up about purchasing aftermarket sway bar links. The highest I have ever lifted any of my trucks is 2 inches. It has never come up before. Does anybody have the expertise in this? I would just like a second opinion. The guy that does the work for me is fantastic, but he's known to go over board and he admits it. He always wants to go above and beyond which I don't mind, but in this case I can't find the part other than what's on American Truck. I believe it is from Supreme suspension.
The part looks almost identical to what I have now.

So for a 2.5" lift is it a good idea to replace? and if so, could somebody recommend a brand?

Thanks in advance.

A general rule of thumb as you want the bar to be parallel to the ground when the weight is on the wheels. This being said, you may actually need an extended link or a sweat bar drop bracket with a 2” lift.

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