Hi all, I need a little help understanding sway bar link ends. I’m looking at doing tie rods and link ends on my 05 Yukon Denali. Doesn’t need to be anything special but I’m looking on Rock Auto and I see that the GM Genuine end links are 8.22” bolt length but others range in length upwards to 10” bolt length. So question is, what’s the difference? Is it going to be an issue if I buy end links that are a little longer than OEM? Or am I looking at the wrong thing worrying about nothing
slightly longer bolts will make install easier.
and just for basic information the CORRECT method to do front sway bar bushings and/or end links is with the front wheels off the ground and the vehicle supported on the frame
reason being the front suspension is loaded with wheels on the ground, whereas rear suspension is loaded with wheels off of the ground or with the body lifted up.
so front both wheels up (frame supported, not the control arms)
rear both wheels on the ground
people try and do it by lifting one side or using ramps on the front, all that does is make you fight the sway bar.
also if you are replacing the front sway bar without help. lightly bolt up one D bushing while holding the bar up, then lightly bolt up one end link on the same side then switch to the other side, otherwise it's a b*tch, unless you are lucky enough to have a lift. I say lightly bolt, because you want to be able to move it around and not have it all tightened up until you have all 4 parts connected.
and lol, by assembly it's bolt/washer/bushing (swar bar) bushing/washer/washer/bushing (control arm) bushing/washer/nut
bolt feeds up from the bottom and nut goes on the top
if you have parts left over you did it wrong
torque to 13ft-17 lbs (for end links)
25-30ft lbs for the center D bushings, I would also use blue threadlocker on the center bushing bolts I have had the bolts come out before
I also personally throw a 2nd bolt on the end link to tighten against the 1st bolt as I have had those work there way out before as well, normally that shouldn't happen but I drive like a savage.
