Ford Escape front end links--excellent alternative to stock!!

[SocialStealth]

I imagine that the "tightness", or the increased resistance in the joints, is due to the fact that the ford escape is an SUV, and way heavier than our sedans

So it makes sense that an SUV would need beefier end links than a sedan, the only problem I could imagine is, since the joint doesn't give as easily, it may cause some stress to whatever its connected to.

 

[tweety2300]

The only thing its connected to is the strut and sway bar I would say the flange on the oem struts would break over time. I say this because I have cheap monroe struts with racingbeat sway bars and it broke with the factory endlink although I'm not sure how much if any there is between the mp3 and p5 other than the sway bar. Basicaly if you have cheap or oem struts you may want to upgrade or weld a beefier flange on

 

[hotcracker69]

nice find guys.... to whoever found it.... now we just need a bit of a long term test on this to see how they hold vs stock one.

who ready to find rear alternatives?

 

[azoblu3]

Yup, definately will try this one! I had both front links changed twice in 6 months too and they're starting to clunk again! -> Guess it's just a bad design from mazda.

 

[StealthWyvern]

Anyone try these that are on Tein s-techs yet?

 

[ihone]

x2 about the tein s-techs.

I'll be clunkin' til I find a beefier replacement.

 

[StealthWyvern]

Another option is this for the front.. A little cheaper and beefer then the stockers im sure. Also normally stocked in store!

AutoZone:
Duralast/Sway Bar Repair Kit
Part Number: 18348
For your 2002 Ford Truck Escape 4WD 3.0L EFI 6cyl
Price:$17.99

Napa:
Part Number: MRC 18348
Price: $15.69/ea

 

[StealthWyvern]

What about this for the rear? According the napa the MSP rear end links are 190mm
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BLOX...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[tweety2300]

You'd be better off getting the adjustable ones for our cars. However if we use the smae length endlinks as a civic the possibilities and manufactureers are almost limitless

 

[StealthWyvern]

You'd be better off getting the adjustable ones for our cars. However if we use the smae length endlinks as a civic the possibilities and manufactureers are almost limitless

I take it you didn't click the link did you? lol

 

[tweety2300]

Yes it shows adjustable endlinks for a civic for 30 something bucks unless there's a hidden one I can't see

 

[Fluffizillamon]

If I replace these, should I also replace the sway bar bushings?

 

[RABID_MP5]

well a good time to check the bushings for slack if worn. also a good time if you want firmer bushings. but access is a little tight, so the work does still go up a good bit I'm thinking.

one thing I did do is put anti-seize on the threads. They never shook loose, yet didn't rust and came apart like 3 years later. This is also key if you end up doing struts soon.

 

[blackmica_es]

has anyone tried these on a 99-00 protege? i understand that the early BJs had a center to center length of 8" and the later 01-03 cars used a 10.50" instead.

 

[blackmica_es]

^^^anyone?

 

[blackmica_es]

^^^anyone?

ok, I just replaced my front end links today, and I can confirm that these will NOT fit the 99-00 protege.

 

[protegejustin19]

Or you could get the endlinks from rockauto brand deeza theyre thicker than stock an made better

 

[cbea1124]

What year do I need to ask for with Ford Escape?

AWd?
2002?

 

[Installshield 2]

What year do I need to ask for with Ford Escape?

AWd?
2002?

It appears the 2002 V6 AWD Escape fits, from the rockauto link on the first page. Not sure what other years are compatable yet.

I guess i've been lucky, i've never had a front or even rear endlink wear out and make any noise or anything...only problems i've had is simply rounding out the hex input when trying to remove them...then having to break the cup, vice grip it for removal...which obviously destroys the link...

I used two Napa replacements on the front a few years ago...just switched to Tein SS coil-overs last month...and they still seem fine; nice and tight...i had to destroy one rear end link for the install...which was a nightmare of parts sourcing, as i was getting end-links of incorrect length (about 1.5" too long)...i'm guessing the MP3's and MSP's having different rear struts is causing the parts screw up on rear end links...finally found the right length unit from Napa, and it worked...so i'm on 3 napa end links, and one factory link still holding...if the front ever go though, i'll definitely check this out.

 

[Fraya713]

So in short, from what I read, these are great for the front.
Is there any better replacement for the back sway-bar links?

What does everyone recommend for replacement for the front and back, there were more options that I thought available