I finally had a chance to install the spherical end links I got from Ben Ogle. My car uses an ST rear sway bar and I don’t think Ben designed the links for the bar. With a little creativity, some washers, a bit of trial and error, I was able to make it work. I know for a fact I’m the only DB1 in the world with these end links so here are some pictures of them installed.
As you can see, the end link isn’t in the ideal position. It should be vertical from the bar to where it connects to the lower control arm. I don’t see a way of making the existing mounting system work like that, though I’m sure Ben can
They are perfectly aligned in the vertical position when you look in from the wheel well to the middle of the car. I was able to make that work by using a large bolt as a shim and some washers.
I installed these, rotated my tires, changed my caster, and played around with my tire pressures. The cars response isn’t as quick as it was, but it’s much more stable for me mid-corner. Before I felt loose mid-corner, so it’s an improvement. I’ll update after getting an alignment done.
Did the end links contribute to that? Probably.
Do they look trick? Definitely.
Can I adjust them? You bet
When I first installed them, I did have them flipped so that they were closer to the wheel. Either way, they seem to be close to binding at the top where the bearing meets the sway bar.
I think the ideal solution will be to modify the OEM mount to accept a sperical bearing on the end where it meets the LCA and a solid bushing instead of the polyurathane or rubber one where it mounts to the bar.
hmm i wonder if the SPC LCA’s i have a similar mounting point in comparison to the stock one… damn i need to get them on have a hard time getting them on or is it a simple R&R procedure?
Thanks for finding that picture. It explains what that aluminum bushing is for. I’ll try flipping it again and take a picture.
My thinking was to keep the end link angle the same as the shock angle - which by chance it is pretty darn close. I don’t know that keeping the angles the same will make any difference, but for now it looks better
Since our ST bars are of a different spec than robbies, one solution would be a forked end on the bar side. Looks like the Bar end center is aligned with the center of the LCA arm. Forked like your koni’s
Schu
Post script, I am not convinced that a larger arm in the rear is what were looking for anyway Duy. I think I have thrown my OEM’s away. I think I may go looking for a new OEM rear. Wanna go?
Hey boss, we’re both running the ST front and rear. It’s OK, I’m still toying with my setup and trying to get comfortable with it.
A forked end link is exactly what was on there if you have an ST bar already. I think with a little machining, we can make a solid bushing to replace the rubber and polyurathane ones.
So how did you adjust the length, preload on the bar through the end link length? I sure hope the car was on the ground or you loaded the suspension before adjusting. If you matched the length of the stock end links and you are lowered the length will require adjustment. If they are binding try a high offset rod end.
I set the length to match the stock end-link and added a bit because of the offset. I’m not sure that the preload is correct. I have some time over the holiday so perhaps I’ll take a look.
I’ll also look into the offset rod end. Thanks for the suggestion.
very nice man… i wish i had time for mine right now. comber’s :tsk: