Truck hardware question

JDEM

Well-known Member
I have a 2008 Ford truck I bought recently. Something has me a little perplexed.

I found both links on the rear stabilizer bar broken. They were OEM from Ford. Ford used a 10 MM bolt, grade 8.8. Pretty much the same tensile strength as a US grade 5.

Since both the originals broke right in two I am thinking it might be good to use something stronger? I have no history on this truck but it certainly does not look like it was ever used hard or off-road.

So I ordered what appeared to be a HD option in the aftermarket - from Delco Professional. I opened the box and these come with US bolts that are 3/8" and grade 5. So if anything, a bit weaker then what Ford used OEM.

Am I missing something here in the engineering? I am tempted to just go out and buy some 3/8" bolts that are grade 8 unless I discover there is a reason not to?

I checked 5 different brands of rear link kits and none have bolts any stronger then what Ford used OEM.
 
I have never seen one broke. My guess is someone hit some big holes hard and they snapped just like a tractor spindle.
 
The links are likely designed to break before something else more expensive does. Like the sway bar, or the control arm attaching point. I would go back with what was there. 11 years likely had the bolts rust weakened.
 
I've had links to front stabilized bars break on vehicles I bought used. The stabilizer bars were not damaged. The links were inexpensive, easy to replace and OEM replacements never broke again. If the price is reasonable, I would stay with EOM parts to avoid breaking something more expensive.
 
Had an '87 F-150 with frt & rear sway bars, links on one end of each bat broke due to excessive rust. '88 Mustang GT had frt & rear sway bars too, broke one link on each bar. Once one link breaks, all the stress is relieved from the other link.

Don't think I would put the Delco parts on, use the OEM replacements.
 
Hi Steve,i have heard story's about that also! The first time was when the 58 Chevy were tied down wrong, well any way they changed there method, of how they got tied down after that fiasco !
 

Ford sway bar links are well known for breaking, especially if you do any kind of off-roading on uneven terrain like terraces, ditches, and creek banks. Anything that flexes the suspension. Off-roaders looking for better articulation get links that can be disconnected by pulling a pin for full travel.
 

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