any opinions on front sway bar endlinks? i am trying to decide between

Front Sway Bar Link fits all models
$15 (Hamburg Technic) from fcp

or

ipd units for $40.


also, will this replacement affect the alignment (i.e., require realignment?)

thanks!

paul
--
1982 240 DL (265K) , 1996 850 GLT (115K)

You don't need realignment to replace the swaybar links. If you check and find that other parts need replacing, realignment is usually necessary with ball joints/lower control arms, upper strut mounts and bearing plates, or tie rod ends. However if you are replacing only one item, such as tie rod ends, you may be able to measure and mark carefully before disassembling and restore the original position.

Go the extra bucks for the IPD heavy duty links--they will far outlast the 'wimply' std links. And no, replacement of the links has no effect on alignment.
--
96 850T, Bilstein HD, IPD swaybars

Jack:

Just wanted to tell you I did really join the FWD group with my purchase of a 98 S70 T5. Took a trip for family reunions from TX to MN, WI and MI and got 28.6 mpg.

The radio we got from you still works too.

dick

There are about 5 million folks in this state, and about 20 million who used to live here! Am I missing something?
This end of I35 is much nicer than the other end!

Klaus
--
(V♂LV♂s 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

I agree having just spent a delightful evening at Two Harbors, Lake Superior Shores or some such thing. We were married in Two Harbors 39 years ago. Lived in Duluth, Rochester twice and worked in Eden Prarie for awhile. Yes, the northern end is much more peaceful and easier to understand folks than at the southern end. And, no white birch on the southern end.

dick

Unfortunately, I grew up in the southern end--Mankato. Lots of good beer back then, though...
--
96 850T, Bilstein HD, IPD swaybars

Dick--good to hear the radio works out. BTW, I live in Utah but am from Minnesota...
--
96 850T, Bilstein HD, IPD swaybars

I just replaced the end links on my 850 with
the Hamburg-Technics from FCP. Looking
on the ipd site, they look pretty much the
same unless you are getting the Heavy-duty
links. The Hamburg ones have worked
out fine for me.

I'm not 100 percent sure about having to
get the car re-aligned, it may be a good idea.
I did when I replaced mine, but I also replaced
the ball-joints/control arms and tie rod ends.
If your current links are not damaged (bent)
you might be able to get away without.
--
1990 240DL - 201K, 1994 850 Wagon - 161K, 1989 Ranger 238K

Get at least the IPD HD links...other wise you'll be sorry in just a small amount of time. The OEM links are a weak link in the suspension. The reason I said "at least," is because some people are getting even stiffer and longer lasting ones from http://www.quickbrickmotorsports.com/ You might want to check them out too.
--
1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

Amen to those who suggest IPD. I would never go back to OEM, some lasted as little as 6 months! So far I have about a year on the IPD models with good results.

As far as I am concerned, the only choice is between IPD and QuickBricks links, forget the POS OEM.

+1 for the quickbrick motorsport end links. They'll cost you more than the other two but you'll never have to replace them again. They make the sway bar feel a lot better and make it do it's job to a greater extent.
--
Wallie

great advice from everyone. as i can't afford both the ipd swaybar and the more expensive endlinks at the same time, will just swapping out the oem endlinks for the quickbrick or ipd endlinks give noticeable improvement? i.e., new and improved endlinks with oem swaybar? thanks.
--
1982 240 DL (265K) , 1996 850 GLT (115K)

It did on my 94 855T, Oem swaybar and QBM end links. I could tell I had a sway bar after that upgrade. I did the IPD sways and QBM end links on my 97 854R and it felt like a whole new and different car. Do that if you can.
--
Wallie