Sway Bar End Links

I’ll be honest, swaybar end links (or endlinks, if you prefer) are not exciting but we still need to do this article. End link issues may seem small but since swaybars can have very high spring rates, properly set end links are crucial. And they’re really annoying when they’re banging into things.

There are at least 4 reasons to use aftermarket swaybar end links:

1. Increased strength
2. Reduced bushing deflection
3. Fitment and clearance
4. Eliminating swaybar preload

1. Increased strength
Swaybar stiffness increases quickly with increases in diameter. Even a 1mm increase in diameter can make a big change and aftermarket swaybars can easily double the spring rate. Factory end links aren’t designed for that.

2. Reduced bushing deflection
Some factory end links do use ball joints for articulation and minimal deflection. And some use soft squishy rubber. See our Bushings article for more info.

3. Fitment and clearance
With coilovers that change mounting points or adjustable swaybars with multiple holes for different settings, sometimes it’s just a pain to get things lined up correctly. If you’re struggling with clearance issues or awkward angles, adjustable swaybar end links can help.

Adjustable end links with both left and right handed threads allow the user to make them shorter or longer while still mounted on the car.

Disconnect your end links while corner-balancing a car with coilovers. Then, with the car at your ride height, adjustable end links should be set so that they just line up with the swaybar mounting points in order to remove preload. They can be difficult to reach with the car on the ground, so hub stands or ramps will make this easier.

4. Eliminating swaybar preload
Changing the length of your endlinks will allow you to remove preload from your swaybars. Just a little preload can mean a lot with big and stiff swaybars.
Swaybar preload means the bar is putting an increased load on one side of the car and decreasing it on the other while at rest, meaning the car will behave a differently on right and left turns. That’s not ideal for most of us. If you’re corner balancing your car, you should be using adjustable end links.