[Shotimes] Bad FSB Endlinks?

[Josh Salaets]

Thanks for the help so far on the brakes - that link Paul Nimz sent was really
great!

Now I have another question for you all:

Has anyone had problems with front sway bar endlinks going bad in a relatively
short amount of time?  I bought new Ford endlinks about a year ago, and
recently I have felt a very minor rattling through the steering wheel once in
awhile when hitting small bumps with that just barely move the  one side of
the suspension (like manhole covers, small potholes, etc.)  It sometimes gets
worse when there's a series of small bumps, but they have to be spaced just
right so the suspension will compress and retract really quickly and ever so
slightly.  Once in awhile my passenger can feel it in the floor if I bring it
to their attention.

As many of you know, the ENTIRE suspension on my car is new, with Koni struts,
Intrax springs, solid subframe bushings, new "police" strut mounts and
bearings, new control arms all the way around, heavy duty rsb endlinks,
reinforced motormounts, and TPR bushings (poly for the front sway bar).  I
also have subframe connectors and the rear H-brace, so my car is QUITE solid
and really stiff.  I have checked all of the fasteners to make sure they are
tight, so I figure with everything on the suspension being so new and tight,
the front endlinks probably get a ton of stress put on them, especially when
pulling in and out of driveways.  I know the Ford front endlink design is
notoriously weak for stock suspensions, and my setup is probably putting a lot
more stress on them than was intended.

At first I would only get this vibration when the passenger side would hit a
little bump, thinking it was something on that side, but now if either side
hits one I can feel it, and failing endlinks seem like a good probability.

What do you all think?  Any other suggestions?  Next time around I'll buy the
TPR greasable ones...

Thanks again!

Josh Salaets
95 SHO MTX (I SHO U)
85 Omni GLH-T (Yeah, it's fast)
Eugene, OR