Sway Bar End Links on Lowered Suspension

[simpleM3]

I started thread because although this topic has been discussed, I don't think the proper context has been added to it.

Based on what I've found in my research, some people have gone with shorter adjustable end links and other have gone with longer adjustable links. Some coilover kits even come supplied with links and when they do they're typically shorter links.

The one critical piece of detail that has been left out of every thread/topic regarding end links after lowering is the question of how is the height adjusted on the coilovers..

I think the difference or determining factor on whether shorter vs longer are needed depends on whether your suspension height adjustments are spring-adjusted, e.g. KWs, or strut-adjusted, e.g., Ohlins.

If my theory is correct, spring-adjustable coils = longer links are required and strut adjustable coilovers = shorter links.

The part that is effected the most is the lower control arms. Spring adjustable coilovers don't effect the position of the control arm, at least not significantly. When adjustment are made from the spring, it's a top-to-bottom effect. Whereas, when you're making the strut shorter, it's opposite, where the bottom needs to reach the top. So when the adjustments are made to the strut, a shorter strut means the strut carrier/hub would need to be raised up in orderer the strut to properly sit in the carrier.

I could be wrong, but I'm hoping to initiate a productive conversation on the topic because I've been suffering from this problem for over a month now and would like to have it resolved before I spend anymore money trying to address it.

[pbonsalb]

Also depends on whether the coilover relocates the upper link mount relative to stock.

[BRNDNSLVRA]

So what about lowering springs?

[simpleM3]

No issues with lowering springs

Originally Posted by 954MM

So what about lowering springs?

[BRNDNSLVRA]

Originally Posted by simpleM3

No issues with lowering springs

A friend of mine said I should get shorter ones. I bent one the other day (I dont know how). It's always my ride side giving me a clicking sound. This is my 2nd replacement. All bolts were torqued down.

[simpleM3]

That's interesting. I have yet to find consistent guidance on this matter.

Some say you need shorter and others say longer.

I suspect that it depends on how the car is lowered; meaning:

My unproven and unconfirmed theories are as followings. All, of which are predicated on a unknown degree of lowering that chnages the geometry of the suspension just enough to exceed the limitations of the stock end links:

1. Coilovers that are lowered by way of compressing the springs (e.g., KW)
2. Strut oriented height adjustments (e.g., Ohlins)
3. Lowering springs (e.g., H&R)

I believe longer links are required for #2 and shorter ones are required for 1&3 after a certain degree of lowering is performed. For instances, Ohlins doesn't recommend replacing stock with adjustable links as log as their recommended height adjustment isn't exceeded.

We need one of those really smart guys to chime and clear hit us with the fancy math and physics.

Originally Posted by 954MM

A friend of mine said I should get shorter ones. I bent one the other day (I dont know how). It's always my ride side giving me a clicking sound. This is my 2nd replacement. All bolts were torqued down.