Maven

iTrader: (1)

I get asked about this, A LOT, and see lots of bickering now and again, so heres what you need to know about stock endlinks.

Theres are only two. FE1/FE3 and FE5/FE5

Both were used on Balts, Ions (afaik) ONLY used the FE1/FE3

Both are same diameter shaft(~.40")

FE1/FE3 are ~12" long

FE5/FE5 are ~10" long

You can put the FE5 ones on any car, but only in pairs.

FE1/FE3 links MAY fit on an FE5 car, but its not worth the risk of smashing your sway bar into your control arm.

You dont need FE5 links to use an FE5 sway bar.

You DO need FE5 links to use FE5 struts.


Anything else, just ask.

SSdan

Are the FE5 on all years of the SS the same including the TC without any changes?

Maven

iTrader: (1)

yup, theres only ever been 2 different endlinks for the Balts afaik.

alleycat58

SWEET. My guestimation was correct. When I got the FE3s I figured about 2" too long.

Now if only more vendors would get on with the upgrading for the FE5 links.

ZeeBee

Dumb question but what would be the purpose of changing them?

alleycat58

Will stiffen up the front suspension a bit is the short answer. Also, the stock end links seem extremely prone to failure. Mine went after only 18,000 miles the first time and only about 14,000 the second time. Then again I demand a lot of out my suspension.

Maven

iTrader: (1)

There is relatively little(imo) to be gained from switching from FE1/FE3 to the FE5 endlinks. If you need new links because yours are shot, the FE5 ones are cheaper, so have it, but as a performance upgrade, the FE5 links alone arent noticeble.

The shorter link is less prone to flexing, but the main reason its shorter is due to the overall design of the SS suspension.

Switching to aftermarket links however is noticeable, but so is the difference in price.

Powergrid makes the best links, Bwoody and probably a few other companies make links as well.

ZeeBee

Thanks alot Maven!

alleycat58

Maven,

Has Powergrid started making FE5 endlinks yet? Every time I look they only offer 1 for the Cobalts and it's the FE1/FE3 replacement. I tested out the original Bwoody ones when I got the FE3 ones, I'm just not comfortable with them on there, it's almost certain disaster for the control arms.

Maven

iTrader: (1)

Powergrid will make you basically whatever you want.II believe if you talk to Chip he will assure these will fit the SS, if concerned like I said, theyll make you whatever you want most likely) The links are adjustable and have been used by the Koni Challenge racecars since I believe the start of the program.

alleycat58

That's what I thought, but wasn't sure. Didn't want to repeat the first end link disaster

VRCobalt

Wait a sec, you just said that you need fe5 links for fe5 struts.

I have fe5 struts and didnt replace the links (I got an LT). Whats gonna happen now? Its been at least 3 months since Ive switched to fe5 struts/shocks/springs.

tru2nrtt777

iTrader: (1)

If you were to get coilovers and aftermarket anti-sway bars would you need new endlinks?

I plan on B&G coilovers with Suspension Techniques sway bars.

qwikredline

100% you will fall in love with powergridinc drop links. well maybe not in love, but they work great, strong, last forever and are adjustable

they are on all our balts ever built, my qwikredline etc etc do not pass go , go directly to powergridinc and get them cheers

Maven

iTrader: (1)

It depends on what springs you run, if you havent been hearing nasty clanking or scratching for 3 months, Id say youre proly ok. You don have FE5 control arms or sway bar do you? I would guess not.

First: depends on whether or not the cilovers use stock links or not....some coilovers come with their own links, I dont know if B&G is like that, but itll be pretty obvious if they wont work or not.

Dont waste your money on the ST front bar, its the same size and much more expensive than the FE3 bar. an FE3 front sway bar is proly $50 shipped, LOL. If they sell their rear bar seperatley just get that and an FE3 bar in the front. You could also go with a Progress rear bar without getting the extra stiffness of the TTR, Eibach or other larger rear sway bars.

tru2nrtt777

iTrader: (1)

B&G dont come with thier own endlinks.

Eibach has been claiming they were gonna come out with anti sway bars for over 3 years now to no avail. I was originally going with them for anti sways but decided to check my other options. And yes the bars are available seperately.

68nova200

iTrader: (2)

when i install my fe5 suspension on my LS will i also need to change the end links?

XgunsmokeX

iTrader: (1)

so if and when i get a FE5 front sway bar,im better off getting aftermarket endlinks?

tru2nrtt777

iTrader: (1)

When strut towers change endlinks do too.

Maven

iTrader: (1)

Eibachs bar kit is out, has been for several weeks, the front bar is MASSIVE, I'd avoid it, go with the FE3 bar if you liked the 22mm size of the ST setup, or just get the FE5 bar you wont regret it(again like $50 shipped for the GM bars)

Well if your installing a full FE5 suspension, yes you should definitely replace the links, if your just going with struts and struts youll probably be okay without them(FE5 links are cheaper than replacement FE1 links, so I say just use FE5's)

Well yes, Powergrid Inc links are the best there are, but you can safely and confidently run an FE5 bar with FE1 links in an LS/LT with no problems , I did for several months.

VRCobalt

At the moment I don't, but I planned on getting them. When I do, is it recommended that I change the links then, because so far I haven't heard anything on my car

css9450

Bumping an old thread...

I wonder if Bwoody ever released the correct version for the FE5? Their site says "SS/SC" but evidently they sent you the longer ones instead. I think I'll try calling over there and ask what length they are; the site makes no mention of them having two different lengths available.

ls1fbody

John and Brad thread discussions make me happy. Another great informational posting.

Ryze

What is the size difference between the FE3 and the FE5 sway bars?

Maven

iTrader: (1)

FE3=22mm(front and rear) FE5=24mm(front and rear on TC, front only on SC, rear =22mm on SC)