Swaybar Links

[hooD]

I put new front swaybar links on my F150 yesterday.  And my question is...how do you know how tight to make 'em? 

I put on moog links (blue bushings) and I tightened them to the point to where they were almost starting to compress a bit.  I could have tightened them more but I saw no need to distort the rubber.  Did I do this right?

[hemiken]

What is the material of the bushings ?  rubber or poly bushings ?

[hooD]

Copied from the website: 
Description:
MOOG SWAY BAR LINK KIT -- Includes thermoplastic bushings and plated hardware; A high quality, direct fit OE quality replacement sway bar link kit.

[Chryco Psycho]

I always go the bottom of the thread , the tighter the bushing the less it can deflect

[hemiken]

OK Hood, you have the Poly type.......

I would tighten them up some more than you have so they are firm with the bush and washers but not disfigured to the point that they are squashed.  If you leave them too loose you will allow too much movement and they will rip them selves apart from too much  free play and will become distorted and cause even worse wear.

They are an energy part, so they are made to have a little bit of tightness.  Make sure you apply plenty of Graphite grease on the bushings aswell, they are prone to squeek if not lubed enough. There should have been grease supplied with the kit.

[hooD]

There was NO grease supplied with the kit as you mentioned.  As for the tightness, I believe that I have them just about right.  They are at the point of almost being squished.

If they ever start squeaking, I will remember what you said about the graphite grease.  Thanks! 

[hemiken]

There was NO grease supplied with the kit as you mentioned.  As for the tightness, I believe that I have them just about right.  They are at the point of almost being squished.

If they ever start squeaking, I will remember what you said about the graphite grease.  Thanks! 

Hey Hood,

I would make it a point of going down your local auto suplier or whom ever supplied the kit and asking or purchase the Graphite grease.  Without this stuff on the bushes, the life span of the bushes will be reduced, the squeeking is just one of the side effects of not having the grease on.

If it were mine i would make a point of installing them with the correct grease on buddy, just looking out for you.