Moog Sway Bar Links

[black ripper 58]

I replaced the broken sway bar links on my '97 4Runner. I'm impressed with how heavy duty the Moog bars are and thought you would like to see them.

This seems to be a very common part that breaks on 4Runners, especially if you drive on salty, winter roads.

Is it true that if you hit some good bumps, these break right off? Hoping to get some OEM springs and upgrade my suspension as I'm getting some sag in the rear end. Any recommendations for front suspension upgrades that aren't too expensive?

 

[plasmaboy]

I did my Moog end links a few months back, but now I keep getting a banging\thudding sound every time i go over a hump or pot hole. It sounded like my suspension hitting the wheel well. however after pulling off the wheel and examining the parts, I realized it was from my Moog end links job.

I googled and saw the photo in the above post and it looks exactly what I did. Having reread the install instructions, I found my mistake. THE WASHER IS ON THE WRONG SIDE, because of that the control arm stud hex cannot be tightened enough unless you have a very thin wrench to hold the inner bolt. I wish they had a diagram to begin with for dyslexic people like me..

Instructions that came with my MOOG #K90681:
"3. Place flat washer supplied next to socket end stud hex and install to the control arm.
4. Install and torque the supplied lock nut to 51 ft-lbs. (69 N-m) while holding the hex next to the dust boot and flat washer."

This is for anyone who plans on installing a Moog end links.
more images here from another forum: Sway bar link

I redid it and it is easier to tighten the bolt with a standard 19mm with wrench holding the control arm stud hex.

 

[flyinbrick]

Thanks for pointing this out! I replaced all four with this part a couple weeks ago and I put the washer on the locknut side. It seemed to tighten just fine (???) Will go back and recheck and prolly do it right.

Thought I should mention that this is on closeout at Rock Auto for $14/ea. I got four and one of them had a seized joint. I called them and they told me to just throw it away and sent me another one. They rock!

 

[Jason B]

Both of mine are broken and will probably use these.

I've seen some get the prothane polyurethane bushing to use with these. Are the moog bushings lacking something?