Suspension (end link) question has me puzzled...

[mysleeper6]

A while back I purchased from a 247 member a Whiteline adjustable rear sway bar and both front and rear AWR adjustable end links. My question is, what does the adjustable part of the end links get me...is shorter better? Is it a matter of feel? I bought them because of the difference in the heftiness of the AWR's as compared to stock, so I was thinking just I should just match the stock end link length for the initial install, but how should I proceed from there? The car is my daily driver, but I am thinking of doing some auto-x this year.

Thanks!

 

[njaremka]

ideally, you want the connection between the endlink and the bar to be at a 90 angle, or the sway bar to be parallel to the ground. more importantly, you want there to be zero preload (in twist or torsion) on the sway bar - this will give balanced handling when turning right or left.

 

[mysleeper6]

Thanks for the reply. So, based on what you are saying, doesn't it follow that the stock setup (sway bar and endlinks) should basically have such a neutral relationship? So if I'm not changing the stock front sway bar, I should probably be ok just matching the length of the stock end link with the AWR, right? And when I replace the rear sway bar, adjust the length to obtain a 90 degree angle?

 

[njaremka]

Thanks for the reply. So, based on what you are saying, doesn't it follow that the stock setup (sway bar and endlinks) should basically have such a neutral relationship? So if I'm not changing the stock front sway bar, I should probably be ok just matching the length of the stock end link with the AWR, right? And when I replace the rear sway bar, adjust the length to obtain a 90 degree angle?

if you are at stock ride height, adjust to the stock length. however, if you are only using the car as a daily driver, there is no need for the adjustable endlinks. stick with stock replacements, and you'll be fine.