Sway bar end links...

Just had the truck at the dealer for a freebie oil change and multi point.
I have been hearing some noises when the front end rocks on uneven surfaces so i had them take a peek.
Come to find out the end link bushings are toast.
They tried to get me to fix today for $1001.... Since the parts were in stock.
This included a new sway bar for whatever reason.
Obviously im not paying this.

Any recommendations for good aftermarket end links. Maybe a poly upgrade?

 

I went with the OEM links I think they were only like 30 bucks and I put them in myself easy job

 

Definitely a driveway situation. Any tips or tricks, or is it as cut and dry as the links i have replaced on a couple wranglers in the past?

 

Those Napa ones are possibly rebranded mevotech.

What I’ve seen, most guys go with mevotech, or moog. Both brands have options, like standard or supreme. Then mevotech has a ttx line that’s over the top stout, they’re hulk green. Availability is an issue. I ordered a full set of moog front and rear. The fronts arrived quickly. The rears, after about 9 months, summit gave up trying to get them for me.

For bushings, there’s similar options. I got hotchkis. They’re much more expensive, much more, and almost too pretty to bolt on knowing they’re gonna get dirty.

 

Its a fairly simple DIY driveway job.

 

The bushings will compress (get bigger) when mounted.

 

I almost hate to say it, but Moog used to be one of the best aftermarket replacement parts companies. These days, they seem to be chasing Dorman customers. Sad.

 

52 lb/ft

Don't be afraid to slop a generous amount of anti-sieze on the threads, it'll help later when you need to remove it

 

There is a hole in the center of the stud to stick an allen key, if the stud is spinning.

If they are covered in rust, can go from simple job to needing to cut them off. I've had to cut a set off for a TW member before.

 

The links you have aren't the same as the OP. Is that a 1st gen Tacoma you have?

 

Ah OK well a 5 lug nonetheless. The torque specs listed above are for the 6 lug model. Aka pre runner or 4x4.

 

Look at the key in the lower left of the diagram to translate the parentheses. Just different torque units.

 

Are those the Overland Custom Design End Links? How are they on quality? I need some and debating from yours or just OEM. lol The Overland Custom Design do look Heavy Duty too

 

Just ditch your sway bar all together lol. I did that a couple of months ago and not turning back. Cheers!

 

Came here to say this. It can't make noise if it's not installed.

If you've upgraded the shocks at all, the sway isn't necessary if you know how to drive. Could be a little sketchy with the stock offroad suspension, but anything more significant and you won't miss it.

 

If the majority of your driving is on highway I wouldn't remove the sway bar

Even if you're a good experienced driver you may have to swerve suddenly to avoid something at high speed, the sway bar keeps the vehicle stable in situations like that

More aggressive shocks can stiffen up the suspension. But only a sway bar can mechanically transfer weight to the other side of the vehicle

Another thing to consider, if you do get into an accident and your insurance Co finds out you removed the sway bar it might not work out in your favor

 

This.

 

Yes OCD. Heavyweight, I got them because they are adjustable. I added an inch to lessen preload. Look at MOOG end links other than OEM. They are more beefy than OEM and grease-able.

 

Who the f quotes an entire sway bar.

I've seen 1 break in 15 years.