Sway bar extension links
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 6
Sway bar extension links
Howdy all! I am a new 2007 2.2l Ion owner. I went to change my front end sway bar extension links, and they are too long for my struts/shocks to fit. I was wondering if this is a common issue, or if anyone had tips on how to get them to fit without damaging them.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Slightly off center
Moved to Ion section.
Is the front suspension stock?
Are the sway bar end links in there and replacement ones in hand stock?
If new vs old end links are different sizes, it sounds like a mod or two might have been made to the suspension before it became new to you.
Bones, Any ideas? (19Bonestock88=Resident Ion Specialist)
Is the front suspension stock?
Are the sway bar end links in there and replacement ones in hand stock?
If new vs old end links are different sizes, it sounds like a mod or two might have been made to the suspension before it became new to you.
Bones, Any ideas? (19Bonestock88=Resident Ion Specialist)
Last edited by derf; Apr 28, 2018 at 03:19 AM.
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 6
So i have a a good mix up. On the driver side the links were not stock the struts/shocks were i believe. It also looked like the links were forced (the thread on the top, facing away from the vehicle, was pushed downward). I purchased new struts and new extension links. On the right i believe the struts are also stock cant be sure. I have not replaced the shock/strut on that one yet. I had the same issue with the links.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,315
From: Slightly off center
Sorry for my lack of specificity in expressing my thoughts.
I should have been saying stock CONFIGURATION. I was not implying that non-OEM parts are always bad. Hell, I drive a 97 SC2; aftermarket is becoming the only option besides junkyards.
If the car was lowered (springs), I believe that would throw off the geometry. Certainly the alignment geometry. The static fit together, not positive. Never lowered a car in my life, nor do I fully understand the Ion front suspension configuration.
Eibach lowering springs were popular back in the day on these cars.
If someone had to bend the mounting threads to make the parts fit, something is obviously not the way it needs to be.
Probably a mess to fix (= replace messed up parts); I hate when people butch things instead of taking the time to learn about them.
If the threads had to be bent down, then the end links were "too long for the situation". They are of course the correct size. Might have needed a camber kit or similar to provide the proper repositioning of the mounting location.
Ok now I'm speculating so I'll shut up
I should have been saying stock CONFIGURATION. I was not implying that non-OEM parts are always bad. Hell, I drive a 97 SC2; aftermarket is becoming the only option besides junkyards.
If the car was lowered (springs), I believe that would throw off the geometry. Certainly the alignment geometry. The static fit together, not positive. Never lowered a car in my life, nor do I fully understand the Ion front suspension configuration.
Eibach lowering springs were popular back in the day on these cars.
If someone had to bend the mounting threads to make the parts fit, something is obviously not the way it needs to be.
Probably a mess to fix (= replace messed up parts); I hate when people butch things instead of taking the time to learn about them.
If the threads had to be bent down, then the end links were "too long for the situation". They are of course the correct size. Might have needed a camber kit or similar to provide the proper repositioning of the mounting location.
Ok now I'm speculating so I'll shut up
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 3,229
From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
I have had improperly installed sway bar links come loose and egg shape the bolt holes. When loose the mounting bolt can be at strange angles. You have to unload both sides of the suspension to change sway bar links. If you only jack up one side the sway bar is in a bind. Is this explanation clear to everyone?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,496
From: Wellington, NZ
I missed this one... some of the Delta chassis cars have different length end links(FE1 or base model vs. FE5 or Cobalt SS/TC) which are designed to be installed at different suspension heights(and the FE5 are thicker and stiffer)
just a random bit of info that likely doesn’t affect most ION owners
just a random bit of info that likely doesn’t affect most ION owners
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