A question for those running upgraded sway bars

[CajunKenny]

I'm getting conflicting information on this; but, what I want to know is when you upgrade the sway bars, do you HAVE to upgrade the endlinks?

I have been told that if you DON'T upgrade the endlinks, that the rear pot metal/plastic OEM ones will break and that if you DO upgrade the endlinks then the rear mounting brackets/tabs will rip out of the underbody.

What are your thoughts and/or experiences?

Thx...

 

[NewWestSupras]

I'm running oem endlinks and mounting tabs with my Whitelines. No problems so far, but I haven't done any autocrosses or big challenges with them yet, either. If you are going to be slamming it around, I'd upgrade everything, just so you can sleep easy. gl!

 

[GrimJack]

I've seen the OEM endlinks broken by the ST swaybars quite a few times. The mounting bracket tabs are pretty simple to upgrade from what I understand - just weld a couple little supports on and away you go.

 

[tlo86]

ive broken my front endlinks (front drivers was first to go then passengers), the rears shouldnt break at all (because they are plastic and just bend!) but it is plans for the future that i upgrade all the endlinks w/ adjustables and reinforce the tabs

 

[CajunKenny]

I've seen the OEM endlinks broken by the ST swaybars quite a few times. The mounting bracket tabs are pretty simple to upgrade from what I understand - just weld a couple little supports on and away you go.

I purchased the ST's and they are in transit. I don't weld and don't have access to anyone who does. I suppose I could find a shop to do it; but, is this absolutely something I should do prior to installing the sway bars? I guess I'm asking what are my chances of breaking something without upgrading the mounts? :icon_bigg

It was really nice chatting with at the meet by the way. I was the one in the black 'Hot Wheels' hat, in case you remember.

 

[tlo86]

exhaust shop could do it i doubt you will break anything anytime soon though - cars are still drivabe if you do they just feel really off

 

[CajunKenny]

ive broken my front endlinks (front drivers was first to go then passengers), the rears shouldnt break at all (because they are plastic and just bend!) but it is plans for the future that i upgrade all the endlinks w/ adjustables and reinforce the tabs

Did you use stock replacements when yours broke? Someone mentioned one could build they're own fairly easily; but, not sure on that one.

 

[tlo86]

Did you use stock replacements when yours broke? Someone mentioned one could build they're own fairly easily; but, not sure on that one.

i used used replacements :biglaugh:

 

[GrimJack]

Funny, I don't usually remember names to faces very well, but I recall you.

If you have upgraded endlinks, I'd get the tabs reinforced by a local shop with a welder. If you jack up your car and look underneath, you'll see what we mean, and if you put a wire wheel on a drill and get all the goop off it, plus grind off the paint, I'd be rather surprised if it took any decent welder more than a couple minutes per side.

If you are still running the OEM endlinks, you could install with them and wait for them to break first... if you don't corner like a madman, they might actually last. I wouldn't hold my breath, though.

 

[Mk3runner]

I got ST sways on mine... my oem end links haven't busted yet. but I know they will at some point. I'm going towards some better ones that can hold my abuse when I find the money for it.

I corner like a madman as said before by Grim so I kinda have to upgrade

 

[Poodles]

whitelines with stock endlinks here...

and I do drive like a madman, haven't broken em yet...

 

[kHaNg]

doesnt anybody know the size of the bolts that are required to connect the sway bars?
im also going to install the st sway bars pretty soon n mabye save some time gettin the extras in posession before the install.