2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Which sway bar end links?

[ESwartzer]

My end links are shot on my 98. 5 after 150,000 + miles and I need to choose replacements. There seem to be only three choices I can find on line, Maxx Link, Spohn performance, or stock type. I need you guys to give me a heads up on which are the most durable and best performers, and which to avoid.

Thanks ES.

 

[VolsFan]

I have had the maxx links for a few years, they are pretty good, have had to replace bushings as the flatten out. I have a spohn adjustable 3rd gen track bar, and if their links are as good as their track bars, I would say that would be a good way to go too. Id say spohn is probably less expensive than the maxx ones also. I personally wouldnt go back with the stock ones.

 

[ESwartzer]

Thanks for your reply.

Can you tell me how the maxx link is built? I can see that the upper end has two bushings that are compressed when the link is installed, but I need to find out if the lower part has a type of heim joint like the Spohn surrounded by bushings. Thanks ES

 

[VolsFan]

yes, it is a heim joint. I got the stock height ones originally, but when I lifted the front, it put the sway bar links at a severe angle, eventually shearing them off. So what I did ( rather than buy taller ones)was keep the bottom piece as seen in the picture, and got a grade 8 bolt, 4-5" or so and a steel nipple as a

sleeve and made it where the sway bar sits level again. Kinda jerry rigged, but has worked well for thousands of miles.

 

[ESwartzer]

Thanks for the information about maxx joints, I think they are the best for the money and I will go with them.
I watched the Vols and Gamecocks game saturday, good game but the Lattimore injury was sickening. It looked the same as the injury to the Raiders Napoleon McCallum about 15 years ago... He never played another down!

 

[VolsFan]

That was tough to watch, felt bad for the guy, not sure why he was never talked about for the heisman before his injury w/ all the yards he put up, hope he can come back next season. Another L for the vols, they should/could win out in november.