Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: jasontbird on April 12, 2006, 01:05:18 AM

Title: suspension lesson
Post by: jasontbird on April 12, 2006, 01:05:18 AM
I need a little info on suspension concerning the end links.  What are the effects of the length of the endlinks?  Is there a recommended distance between the lower arm and the sway bar?  Is there room for adjustments or is it always supposed to be the same?  How does this distance effect the ride?  Thanks, Jason.
Title: suspension lesson
Post by: MasterBlaster on April 12, 2006, 11:15:10 AM
Way too short, the links will either try to rip out of the arm or bar holes, or bend when the suspension is at full droop (jacked up) or full bump (speed bumps).

Way too long, the links may swing the bar up so high that parts of it start rubbing on things (inner fenders, oil pan).

The bar and control arms should end up pretty much parallel to each other.

Generic description at bottom of:

http://www.energysuspension.com/pages/endl.html
Title: suspension lesson
Post by: Red_LX on April 12, 2006, 03:17:44 PM
If the endlinks are too long, and you hit a big bump, the bar will swing up and break that one hardline that comes out of the front of your steering rack, which you can't buy at any parts store.

Ask me how I know...
Title: suspension lesson
Post by: DakotaEpic on April 12, 2006, 04:35:06 PM
How do you know, Red_LX?:D
Title: suspension lesson
Post by: Red_LX on April 12, 2006, 04:59:56 PM
Happened on my old Mustang, in the middle of winter, and I had to pull that line off a parts car, and change it in 20 degree weather...as if that line isn't hard enough to get out as it is, it's even more fun when you can't feel your fingers.
Title: suspension lesson
Post by: Haystack on April 12, 2006, 05:13:56 PM
I know that as well....
Title: suspension lesson
Post by: jasontbird on April 12, 2006, 11:21:15 PM
Thank guys.  I was thinking mine was a little on the short side.  Maybe I should have asked this question before I put them in.  All well.  I will look at them this weekend and see.