T1 sway bars, which end links?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 767
Likes: 42
From: Laguna Beach CA
T1 sway bars, which end links?
Just purchased a used set of T1 sways from MikeD, I am thinking LG quiet end links but they are a little expensive. I am a believer that you get what you pay for, but $300 for end links seems a little steep.
What are some other less expensive and reliable options?
Currently, I am running with C6Z51 sways with poly bushings and stock steel end links.
What are some other less expensive and reliable options?
Currently, I am running with C6Z51 sways with poly bushings and stock steel end links.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 767
Likes: 42
From: Laguna Beach CA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 89
From: Indy IN
This problem has been beaten to death on the road race and autocross page. Here is a link to a much less expensive solution. Go down to the last post on this page. I put in the part numbers and exactly what I did. As noted in the post, it's probably better to get the end link covers that totally cover the end link and then put grease inside the cover. I used the flexible caps and they are ok, but aren't a perfect seal. As I said in that post, if I were doing it again I'd get the covers from midwest that look like a bootie and cap the whole thing. Overall it was a heck of a lot less than the LG setup. The prices of these links has changed a bit since I did mine, but you are looking at about $100 for the setup I did.
I've had those parts on the car for a year and a half (probably 5k miles) and haven't had any noise yet, so it seemed to solve the problem.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/auto...education.html
Also make sure that the links aren't binding over the range of travel. Most of these links have a limited angular range and if you exceed that and they wedge they will make noise in short order.
I've had those parts on the car for a year and a half (probably 5k miles) and haven't had any noise yet, so it seemed to solve the problem.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/auto...education.html
Also make sure that the links aren't binding over the range of travel. Most of these links have a limited angular range and if you exceed that and they wedge they will make noise in short order.
Last edited by Solofast; Mar 23, 2012 at 09:02 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 89
From: Indy IN
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Sway bars need to be attached preloaded.
and some times the bars are just not equal on opposite sides, or little different here or there. ie ride height different left to right.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Arizona
I just had the T1s installed on my C5 and the C6 Metal End Links installed effortlessly.
And just to clarify, when you say "preloaded", you are referring to wheels on ground (or drive on lift) without jacking up the car, correct?
Since I still don't feel that solid "feels like its on rails" precision steering, I may try replacing all my bushings next. 12 years later and 130K miles, I am sure they have some wavering factor in the steering responsiveness.
If that don't work, well....Two peas in a bucket.....
Last edited by WICKEDFRC; Mar 23, 2012 at 10:09 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Not only the swaybar, the cars frame is seldom straight. 1/16" off up or down, left or right and still be with in OEM specs
the sway bar is not molded, it is bent into shape.
Correct
New A-Arm bushings, new tie rod ends, great alignment, corner balanced with YOU in the drivers seat, and a new set of Hoosier "A"
Whole different car.
the sway bar is not molded, it is bent into shape.
And just to clarify, when you say "preloaded", you are referring to wheels on ground (or drive on lift) without jacking up the car, correct?
CorrectNew A-Arm bushings, new tie rod ends, great alignment, corner balanced with YOU in the drivers seat, and a new set of Hoosier "A"
Whole different car.
Last edited by AU N EGL; Mar 24, 2012 at 08:01 AM.
