2006gtmike

What are the main differences (other than price) between:

UMI Performance Adjustable Front Sway Bar End Links

Steeda #555-1053 Front Competion/Street Endlink Kit

Steeda #555-1051 Front Competition Endlinks

I'm looking to replace my stock endlinks and hopefully eliminate the loose endlink problem I keep experiencing.

jahudso2

Ford redesigned the front end links and now they are easier to tighten and the nuts are lock nuts. I tried a TON of blue locktite on the stock endlinks and still couldn't keep those things from clunking. The new setup has not clunked yet. The new set was $35 for the end links and like $12 for all 4 nuts. The stock end links require a 18mm wrench and an 8mm socket to tighten, whereas the new end link design has an extra 18mm socket surface next to the rubber boot. This allows you to put an 18mm wrench on the shaft of the end link and an 18mm socket on the nut and actually tighten the damn thing to 85 ftlbs. If you are looking to go the cheap route, I would recommend these. FYI, the new end links have a different thread pitch than the stock ones, so you can't reuse the stock nuts. You have to buy the new lock nuts for $12.

6-Speed

Do you have part numbers for the new end links and nuts?

BTW, I was able to torque the end links on my car to 85 lb-ft. It was tricky though.

jahudso2

I threw away the packaging, so unfortunately I don't still have the new part numbers. The new nuts have a red teflon liner at the top though. I shattered a craftsman 8mm socket trying to tighten the stock end link.

6-Speed

I found that if I got the end link nut tight enough using the 8mm socket to help keep it from rotating, I didn't need to hold it in place to apply more torque. From there I just used a 18mm socket to torque to 85 lb-ft.

danzcool

I ordered some today:
End Link: BR3Z 5K483 B
Nut: W712503 S440

05raggtop4.0

Glad to here there is a option to be able to tighten the links down now. The old ones on mine were a real PITA to try and get tight when I swapped my front Sway Bar out.

2006gtmike

Anyone out there running the Steeda or UMI Front Endlinks? Your impressions?

Sam Strano

I am a Steeda dealer, and the links UMI sells are the links I sell under my name (since I commissioned the design). I can sell you any of the 3, and I think you'll like the pricing.
http://www.stranoparts.com/searchbym...D=80&ModelID=5


When I did links I wanted something beefier than what was typical. That's why the Strano/UMI links look as they do and use bigger rod-ends. Steeda comp links were out beforfe , I just wanted something stronger because of the abuse I can put our cars through with the autocrossing (the transition rates and load rates can be much higher than on a track). That said, they are rod-ended links and can make a little noise (either set).

The Steeda street/comp links use ball joints much like the OEM links do--just with adjustment. If you want quiet above all, but still want adjustable links, those are the ones to look at.

6-Speed

Thanks for the great info on the parts!